Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix: Key Characters, Events, and Historical Context

How are Harriet and Mrs. Livingston similar?

Both survived the fire and believe in women's rights and justice. They share emotions of curiosity and sadness, feeling a sense of responsibility for the deaths and the story.

What does Harriet hope to learn from Mrs. Livingston?

Harriet hopes to learn the whole truth about the shirtwaist factory fire from a survivor's firsthand account, including what happened to the other two girls who died.

What does Bella learn about work in the factory?

Bella learns she must keep a quick pace to get paid, follow strict rules, and that the work is repetitive with a pattern to check for threads.

What are Bella's impressions of the city?

Bella feels scared, overwhelmed by the crowd, disappointed by the city's dirtiness, and thankful for fire escapes.

How would you describe the immigrant experience in America during this time?

The immigrant experience was difficult and overwhelming, with employers treating them poorly and making it hard to earn respect and money.

What do you learn about Yetta? Why did she come to America?

Yetta is a Jewish immigrant from Russia who admires her sister and is inspired by strikes in America. She came to escape antisemitism and seek a better life.

What do you learn about Jane?

Jane is a wealthy girl with a chaperone, feeling rebellious against societal rules and concerned for the factory girls, mistaking the factory for a school.

What emotions do Harriet and Mrs. Livingston share?

They share curiosity and sadness regarding the fire and its impact.

What does Bella realize about her pay in the factory?

She realizes that if she messes up, her pay will be deducted.

What does Yetta dream about while living in the shtetl?

Yetta daydreams about revolutions while milking cows.

What is Yetta's relationship with her sister Rahel?

Yetta admires her sister and has lived apart from her for three years.

What does Jane mistake the shirtwaist factory for?

Jane mistakes the shirtwaist factory for a school.

What does Bella feel about the number of people in the city?

Bella feels overwhelmed by the number of people in the city.

What does Yetta want to happen in the shirtwaist factory?

Yetta is passionate about wanting a strike to address the terrible working conditions.

What does Harriet want to avoid when learning about the fire?

Harriet wants to avoid the public version of the story and seek the truth from Mrs. Livingston.

How does Bella feel about the city compared to her expectations?

Bella is disappointed that the city is not what she imagined.

What motivates Harriet to seek out Mrs. Livingston?

Harriet seeks firsthand evidence from a survivor to understand the truth about the fire.

What does Yetta's arrival in America signify for her family?

Yetta's arrival signifies her father's desire to protect her from antisemitism and seek a better life.

How does Jane feel about the societal rules imposed by Miss Millhouse?

Jane feels rebellious and does not appreciate the pressure from Miss Millhouse.

What does Bella learn about the consequences of not following factory rules?

She learns that not following the rules could lead to getting fired.

What does Yetta's inspiration from strikes indicate about her character?

It indicates her strong sense of rebellion against unfair treatment of workers.

What is the significance of fire escapes for Bella?

Bella is thankful for fire escapes as a safety measure in case of a fire.

What does Harriet feel responsible for?

Harriet feels responsible for carrying on the story of the fire and its victims.

What does Bella dream about after three months of work?

Bella dreams about her family thriving in Calia, imagining her sister having more bows for her hair and her family eating three meals a day.

What makes Bella upset regarding her pay?

Bella is upset because she did not get fully paid by Signor Carlotti after messing up a shirtwaist, earning only three dollars and ten cents.

What lesson does Bella learn about her honor in America?

Bella learns that she does not have much honor in America, as the guards mistakenly believe she is stealing shirtwaists.

Who is the padrone and what impact does he have on Bella and Pietro?

The padrone loans money for Bella and Pietro's immigration and takes Pietro to work in South Carolina, causing Bella to pay more rent due to his absence.

How has Bella's spirit changed and why?

Bella's spirit has become duller due to her tireless work and the loss of Pietro, who was one of the few people she trusted.

What causes Signor Carlotti to change his relationship with Bella?

Signor Carlotti changes his relationship with Bella after learning about her past and offers her extra pay and a walk home.

What does Rocco do for Bella?

Rocco invites Bella to escape the abuse of Signor and Signora Luciano, showing he cares for her.

How has life in the factory changed under Signor Carlotti?

Life in the factory has become more lively and joyful, with music played during lunchtime and a kinder attitude from Signor Carlotti.

What happens to Yetta during the protest?

Yetta gets beaten up by the police and arrested while trying to help Bella.

What does Bella learn about Rocco's education?

Bella learns that Rocco goes to school instead of selling newspapers or shining shoes.

How are Bella and Rocco similar and different?

Both hide their true selves and are Italian immigrants, but Bella sees Rocco as a brother while he has feelings for her. Rocco has more rights due to his gender, while Bella faces more restrictions.

What do Yetta and Rahel learn about the New York Times and its influence?

They learn that the strike was covered in the New York Times, which is significant because it is read by upper-class people, thus giving the strike more recognition.

How does Samuel Gompers impress Yetta and Rahel?

Gompers impresses them by advocating for the strikers to continue their cause, stating, 'I have never declared a strike in my life, I have done my share to prevent strikes, but there comes a time when not to strike is but to rivet the chains of slavery upon our wrists.' He also stands out by speaking in English, unlike other speakers.

Why is Clara Lemlich considered important to the movement?

Clara Lemlich is important due to her persistence, devotion, and strong spirit. She was notable for being a girl involved in multiple strikes and suggested going on a general strike.

What does Jane learn about the working conditions of immigrant girls on strike?

Jane learns that immigrant girls work long hours from before sunrise until late at night, and their pay is at the discretion of the boss, who locks them in out of fear of crime.

What realization leads Jane to say, 'She's that free.'?

Jane realizes that Yetta holds her head high despite being disgraced and arrested, recognizing that the girls have a sense of freedom in their choices.

What does Bella learn about the Lucianos and their attitude towards her?

Bella learns that the Lucianos have been using her money for their benefit and that her family is dead, indicating a lack of trust and care for her.

What is Bella unable to accept regarding her family?

Bella cannot believe that her family is dead and is shocked to learn that Pietro knew about it shortly after she left Italy.

How is Bella's appearance described, and what does it signify?

Bella is described as underweight, unkempt, and wearing ragged clothes, illustrating her sadness, confusion, and depression due to her circumstances.

What leads Jane to feel triumphant, saying, 'I did something.'?

Jane feels triumphant after finally being able to help the cause she cares about and decides to take Bella home to support her.

What causes panic, sorrow, and fear for Bella?

Bella experiences panic, sorrow, and fear upon realizing she must work to avoid losing her job, which she needs to send money to her family, who she later learns have died.

How does Yetta want to expose the greed and corruption of factory work?

Yetta aims to expose the greed and corruption by revealing how Mr. Blanck and Mr. Harris treated the girls, highlighting that their lives are sacrificed for profit, and by expanding the general strike to other manufacturing locations.

Who helps Jane with Bella and how?

Yetta helps Jane with Bella by translating for her, as Bella has learned Yiddish but confuses it with English.

What does the bonding of immigrants in New York City signify?

The bonding signifies strength in survival against an unfair society, as Yetta states, 'Girls like us, we stick together,' indicating that solidarity can unify them.

What realization does Jane have about Miss Millhouse and high society?

Jane realizes that Miss Millhouse and high society are self-centered, disrespectful towards lower-class individuals, and that high-class women fighting for rights would be seen as shameful.

Why had Bella felt like an outsider, and what changed?

Bella felt like an outsider due to language, clothing, and trust issues. She later realizes she can be equal to other girls, uniting through the strike for a common cause.

What does Bella learn about Pietro and how does it comfort her?

Bella learns that Pietro used her money to pay off her ticket, which comforts her because it shows he did not fully cheat her.

What is a 'closed shop' and did the workers at Triangle obtain one?

A 'closed shop' is a workplace that only hires union members. The workers at Triangle did not obtain one; instead, the owners recognized the union and changed the terms for workers.

How does the quote about the metal symbolize the Gilded Age?

The quote symbolizes the Gilded Age by illustrating that beneath a polished surface lies filth and ugliness, reflecting the deceptive nature of the era.

Why does Jane's father insist on hiring strikebreakers?

Jane's father insists on hiring strikebreakers to protect his company, wealth, and reputation, believing that without them, both would be ruined.

What do Jane and Eleanor debate regarding money?

Jane and Eleanor debate whether to take money from their fathers, with Jane considering it dirty money.

What decision does Jane make regarding her lifestyle and the strike?

Jane decides to stop living her high-class life and live with Yetta and Bella, joining the strike to support the factory workers.

What does Jane learn about the Blanck family and how does it affect her?

Jane learns that the Blanck family needs a governess for their daughters, which presents her with an opportunity to earn money independently from her father.

What is Jane's mission if she becomes the governess for the Blanck family?

Jane's mission is to teach the girls manners and societal behavior, as well as the realities of their father's wealth.

What pact do Jane, Yetta, and Bella make and why?

They make a pact to continue their education to avoid being 'stupid', 'useless', and 'powerless'.

What does Charles say about American laws regarding workers?

Charles states that American laws are designed to protect business owners rather than workers.

How have Rahel's goals changed and why is Yetta upset with her?

Rahel's goals shifted from fighting for workers' rights to focusing on her family, which upsets Yetta because she believes Rahel is distracted from the fight for workers' rights.

What does Jane reveal about the Blanck home dynamics?

Jane reveals that Mrs. Blanck wants her daughters to be modern American girls, and that Mr. Blanck does not heed her business advice, showing a contrast between home and work life.

What event do the girls attend and what surprises them?

The girls attend a women's suffrage parade and are shocked to see a group of women opposing women's suffrage.

How does Jane feel about her father and her past life?

Jane does not want to return to her old life and feels indifferent about her reputation; she believes her father does not care about her absence.

What does Bella purchase and what does it symbolize?

Bella purchases a rose, symbolizing hope and happiness for the girls, as it represents their desires and aspirations.

What challenges do Jacob and Yetta face during the Triangle Fire?

Jacob and Yetta face challenges such as the prioritization of possessions over lives, a small elevator, inadequate fire escape stairs, and a lack of awareness about the fire on the ninth floor.

What does Jane's decision to join the strike signify about her character development?

Jane's decision signifies her commitment to social justice and her rejection of her privileged background.

How does Jane's relationship with her father evolve throughout the story?

Jane's relationship with her father evolves as she distances herself from his values and expresses a desire for independence.

What does the women's suffrage parade reveal about societal attitudes during the time?

The parade reveals that there was significant opposition to women's suffrage, highlighting the societal divide on women's rights.

What is the significance of Jane's letter to her father?

The letter signifies Jane's attempt to maintain a connection with her father while asserting her independence.

How do the characters' actions reflect the themes of empowerment and social justice?

The characters' actions, such as joining the strike and pursuing education, reflect their desire for empowerment and the fight for social justice.

What does the contrast between the Blanck family's public and private personas suggest?

The contrast suggests hypocrisy in their values and highlights the complexities of social class and family dynamics.

What role does education play in the characters' lives?

Education plays a crucial role as a means of empowerment and a tool for challenging societal norms.

How does the story portray the struggles of working-class women?

The story portrays their struggles through the characters' experiences in the factory and their fight for rights and recognition.

What impact does the Triangle Fire have on the characters' perspectives?

The Triangle Fire deepens their understanding of the dangers faced by workers and reinforces their commitment to advocating for change.

How does the theme of family influence the characters' decisions?

The theme of family influences characters like Rahel, who struggles between familial obligations and social activism.

What does the character development of Yetta signify in the context of the story?

Yetta's development signifies the importance of solidarity among women in the fight for their rights.

What does Jane's rejection of her father's money symbolize in the broader narrative?

It symbolizes a rejection of patriarchal control and an embrace of self-sufficiency and moral integrity.

What does Jane notice during her visit to the factory?

Jane notices the young age of the workers, Miss Mary's quick disappearance, the chaotic elevator orders on the eighth floor, and the dark, dirty, overcrowded conditions on the ninth floor compared to the clean and elegant tenth floor.

How does the mood change at the end of page 286?

The mood shifts from calm and happy, as Jane pretends to be a factory inspector, to panicked and worried when a fire breaks out and Jane realizes Yetta is on the floor below.

What experiences do Bella, Yetta, and Jane have with the fire?

Bella is confused and overwhelmed, realizing the fire only when she smells smoke. Jane urges Bella to escape while she tries to save others. Yetta goes to help workers escape but ultimately jumps from the ninth floor with Jacob, leading to their deaths. Jane extinguishes a minor fire on her skirt but struggles to escape through overcrowded elevators.

What does Bella remember in her last moments before reaching safety?

Bella recalls her family, Jane's words about Millicent and Harriet being scared, and her friends on the lower floors.

What did you learn from Mrs. Livingston and Harriet's conversation?

I learned that Bella was the only survivor among the three girls, married Rocco, who was adopted by the Livingstons. The fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory was a significant event that led to the memory of the strike.

What three new facts did you learn from the Author's Note?

1) Alva Belmont significantly impacted the suffrage movement by bailing out shirtwaist girls and organizing a parade. 2) Max Blanck and Isaac Harris profited from insurance due to the fire, with their lawyers casting doubt on Schwartz's survival. 3) Elevator operators Joseph Zito and Gaspar Mortillalo showed bravery by helping many workers escape the fire.

What does the Author's Note teach about the Progressive Era?

The Progressive Era was a time of political and social reform, with women fighting for equal voting rights. Wealthy women supported the strike, and the fire prompted the New York governor to establish a Factory Investigating Commission, leading to regulations like automatic sprinklers and fire escape requirements.