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.
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
1 answer
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