Question

Re-read this stanza from "The Drinking Gourd."

Follow the drinking gourd,

Follow the drinking gourd,

For the old man is a-waiting for to carry you to freedom

If you follow the drinking gourd.


The reader can infer that "the old man" is meant to be -

Question 1 options:

God


the speaker's father


Death


the slave master

Answer 1

The reader can infer that "the old man" refers to **God**. In the context of the poem, "the old man" is often interpreted as a guide or a figure representing hope and salvation, leading those seeking freedom (in this case, enslaved individuals) to safety and liberation.