Question

What is Henry's father and mother's reaction to the proclamation?

a. His father doesn't really care and says "better them than us" and his mother is the same and wonders why Henry cares
b. His father doesn't care but his mother does
c. His father and mother both care
d. His mother and father are both elated

Answer 1

Henry's mother reacted to the proclamation with tears of joy and heartfelt explanation to her children. The text does not specify Henry's father's reaction, focusing more on the collective feelings of slaveholders and the transition of the slaves from initial joy to contemplation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Henry's mother reacted to the proclamation with tears of joy and a sense of thanksgiving, explaining the significance of the moment to her children as the realisation of a long-hoped-for day of freedom. There is no explicit mention of Henry's father's reaction in the given reference, but rather it speaks to the general attitude of slaveholders who seemed to feel sadness at parting with those they had reared, rather than bitterness over the loss of property.

The reference text suggests a complex reaction from the slave community that included an initial wild rejoicing followed by a deeper reflection on the responsibilities of freedom and an enduring attachment to their former owners.