please read the story the underground railroad

Question

What does the author mean by the figurative phrase “chip away”?

How could slavery have “imploded itself”? What could the author mean by that figurative language?

please ANSWER ALL

Answer 1

"The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead is a rich narrative that explores the history of slavery and the quest for freedom in the United States. Your questions delve into figurative language used in the novel.

1. Meaning of "chip away": The phrase "chip away" typically refers to gradually reducing something in size, strength, or intensity. In the context of the story, this figurative language could imply that the systemic and oppressive nature of slavery is being gradually undermined or broken down. It can suggest that individuals and movements, like those involved with the Underground Railroad, are persistently working to erode the foundation of slavery, piece by piece, through acts of resistance, escape, and rebellion. This imagery evokes a sense of ongoing struggle and determination against an oppressive system.

2. Slavery “imploding itself”: The idea that slavery could have "imploded itself" suggests that the system was inherently unstable or self-destructive. Figuratively, this means that the very foundations of slavery, such as inhumanity, brutality, and moral corruption, could lead to its own downfall. This implosion can be understood as the consequences of dehumanizing others—where the violence and oppression necessary to maintain the system could eventually lead to societal backlash, conflict, and uprisings among enslaved people and their allies. It can also imply that the internal contradictions of slavery, such as the false belief in superiority, would ultimately create conditions that undermine the system, leading to its collapse.

In summary, these phrases accentuate the gradual resistance against slavery and the idea that the system's unsustainable nature could lead to its own demise. Both highlight the themes of struggle and transformation present in the story.

Answer 2

PLEASE make it sound like an 11 year old

Answer 3

Sure! Here’s a simpler explanation that sounds more like an 11-year-old:

1. What does "chip away" mean? When the author says "chip away," it means that people are slowly breaking down or getting rid of something little by little. In the story, it talks about how people are working hard to weaken slavery by helping others escape and fighting against it. Just like when you chip away at a big block of ice to make it smaller, people are trying to make the terrible system of slavery smaller and weaker until it’s gone.

2. How could slavery “implode itself”? When the author says slavery could "implode itself," it means that slavery was built on bad ideas and was not really strong. It suggests that the horrible things done to keep slavery going might end up causing it to fail. If people are treated badly for a long time, they might fight back, which can cause the whole system to fall apart. So, by being so cruel, slavery could end up hurting itself and not being able to survive anymore.

In summary, these phrases mean that people are slowly fighting against slavery and that the nasty parts of slavery could lead to it breaking down all by itself.