Hope for Hannah

Question

New York City, 1864
1
Hannah Oglemeyer jumped as the factory bell loudly proclaimed the end of another long work shift. Placing her hand on her back, she cringed as she felt her muscles stretch painfully. It was the end of another 14 hours hunched over a sewing machine, and she closed her eyes and sighed with the knowledge that it would begin all over again tomorrow.

2
"Hannah!"

3
Hearing her friend's cheerful voice, Hannah reluctantly opened her eyes. Muriel stood in front of her, smiling as always as she straightened her kerchief and wiped her oil-stained hands on her apron.

4
"You be sure to wish Alfred a happy birthday for me, Hannah." Muriel's smile broke for a moment as she added, "How I wish I could have gotten the boy something. It's just been so rough this month, what with Henry sick and all."

5
Muriel's husband had been ill for two months now, and Hannah knew that her friend was barely able to buy him soup, let alone purchase a gift for Alfred.

6
"But he's doing better every day. That he is," Muriel continued with conviction as she nodded and smiled. "I just know he'll be back to work soon. You tell Alfred that I'll give him something next month. I'm sure things will be better by then."

7
Hannah placed a hand on her friend's arm and squeezed it reassuringly. She knew all too well that it would not be better next month; in fact, it seemed these days that it would never get better. Ever since her family had moved to New York City two years ago to be a part of this new industrial "revolution," they had suffered terrible living and working conditions and earned hardly any money. Some days, Hannah was amazed at Muriel's ability to continue to find a silver lining in every cloud.

8
But as she collected her meager earnings and descended the factory steps with the other female workers, Hannah felt her spirits begin to lift. Separating herself from the group, she pulled out a pouch that she had hidden in the lining of her skirt and added the day's wages to it.

9
On the crowded, dirty street, she hurried about her errands. First, she stopped at the butcher, for tonight she would surprise Alfred with meat for dinner. Then, she visited the grocer for some bread before finally stopping somewhere she hardly ever entered—the toy-maker's store. Awkwardly, she stepped inside and searched for the item she had been watching in the window for weeks. Bringing the toy to the counter, she pulled out her money pouch with trembling hands. Would she have enough to pay for it?

10
Hannah held her breath as she slowly counted out the coins, one by one. With a soaring heart, she handed the clerk her very last coin, knowing that it was just enough to buy Alfred the little tin soldier in front of her. She smiled at the clerk with a mixture of relief and joy. She had saved for months, but she was able to give her son a birthday gift that he would truly love. She couldn't wait to see the look on his face!

11
As Hannah left the store, she held the wrapped package tightly to her chest. Suddenly, the endless work shifts and miserable living conditions all seemed worth it, just to have the opportunity to hand her son a simple toy. She couldn't help but smile at the idea as she entered the broken-down tenement where they lived and climbed the stairs with anticipation for the evening and renewed hope for tomorrow.

The Industrial Revolution
1
The Industrial Revolution was a time of enormous growth in industry, primarily due to the invention of machines that could produce goods faster and better than ever before. This revolution began in Europe in the eighteenth century when machines for the textile and iron industry were first invented and with the development of the steam engine. Factories were built to help create goods in a timely and efficient manner. As a result, people began to move away from farms and into cities, where they could obtain reliable work and wages. This revolution in industry later extended to the United States as well.

2
The Industrial Revolution included innovations in several different areas. Steam-powered ships and railroads made transportation faster and more reliable. Communication also improved with the invention of the telegraph. This device transmitted messages across the country in a fraction of the time that it took to send a letter. In addition, the financial industry boomed with the establishment of the London and New York stock exchanges.

3
In general, people benefited greatly from this time. The upper and middle classes made fortunes from investments and new business opportunities. Their standard of living increased as the introduction of mass-produced goods provided more options and availability of items. The working class did not experience as many benefits at first. They received low wages in return for working long hours in factories, and they lived in overcrowded and unsanitary apartments. However, the conditions of the working class improved in the late 1800s with the establishment of unions and laws to improve factory conditions.

4
Overall, the Industrial Revolution was a time of significant achievement and the beginning of a new and improved manufacturing age. This time period improved the quality of life for society and helped to develop the modern world we know today.

How is the point of view in The Industrial Revolution different from that presented in Hope for Hannah?

A.
The author of The Industrial Revolution describes only the horrors of the period and not its positive benefits.

B.
The author of The Industrial Revolution is presenting a broad overview rather than an individual reality.

C.
The author of The Industrial Revolution writes only about inventions and trends rather than their effects on people.

D.
The author of The Industrial Revolution emphasizes the overall achievements of the time period rather than the hardships.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. The author of The Industrial Revolution is presenting a broad overview rather than an individual reality.

In "Hope for Hannah," the point of view is focused on the individual experiences and struggles of Hannah Oglemeyer, providing a personal and emotional perspective on the hardships faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution. In contrast, "The Industrial Revolution" gives a general overview of the entire era, discussing innovations, economic growth, and societal changes without delving into personal stories or individual hardships.