As a final assessment for our Tomboy Bride unit, you will choose one of the following topics and write an expository essay about Harriet, the protagonist of the story. For those looking for a challenge, I will also allow students to come up with their own topic, as long as it is broad enough to write 4-5 paragraphs and explores a theme in the story. This must be cleared with Ms. Hanna before you start any planning or writing.
Essay Topics:
1. Over the course of Tomboy Bride, Harriet Fish Backus transforms from a tenderfoot to a true mountain woman. In a four-paragraph essay, explain how this transformation occurs. 2. What qualities made Harriet Backus an excellent mining camp wife? Be specific and support your conclusions with examples.
Arduous train ride from San Francisco to Telluride Colorado to marry George. Trained as a school teacher, survived the great fire, worked as a telegraph operator. Doesn’t know how to cook. Buys high elevation cookbook. First day in Telluride, witnesses a funeral. Sled ride up to Tomboy Mill at 11,500 feet.
Ch 3 Tomboy Mine, near Telluride, CO * Ordered a months worth of food via the telephone in the stable. * Met Mrs. Batcheller and her baby Billy * Due to her education, she helped George with this reports; checking his work. *
Ch 4 * She puts on a brave face while on a tour of the mine in front of George and Johnny the foreman.
Ch 5 * Difficulty breathing, feeling tired, but hear rate high due to the shortness of oxygen * Making bread, boiling eggs difficult. She takes a long time to learn how to cook but George never complains * The Finn was caught stealing gold ore. He would extract the gold at night waking Mrs. Backus. * The Finn was found guilty but said he had enough money to live in Finland with his wife after his 3 year sentence
Ch 6 * Moved from the school teachers house to a better house on the hill that was ‘furnished’. *