Identifying Symbolism in Elijah of Buxton Storyboard
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Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
By Liane Hicks
Elijah of Buxton is an award winning historical fiction novel told from the perspective of 11-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first child to be born free in the settlement of Buxton in Canada. Buxton is a real place settled by African Americans who had escaped the horrors of enslavement in America. Learn more with activities from Storyboard That.
Storyboard Description
Identify symbols in Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis and how they are important to the story.
Storyboard Text
- LIBERTY BELL
- Let Freedom Ring!
- BIRDIE
- MRS. HOLTON'S SIGN
- As a destination on the Underground Railroad, when new residents arrive in Buxton, they are welcomed with open arms and the "Liberty Bell". The bell is rung for each person: 10 times to ring out their old life and 10 times to ring in their new life. It is a symbol of hope and freedom.
- Birdie is the doll Emma gives to Lucille to welcome her family to Buxton. Birdie symbolizes the trust, friendship, and hope. New arrivals are often mistrustful due to the lifelong trauma they've endured. The community welcomes them and lets them know that they have truly found freedom.
- Mrs. Holton's husband is whipped to death by his enslaver. After his death, the community rallies around her. The sign honors Mr. Holton and his strength of spirit as well as keeps his memory alive. It is a symbol of the community's support and care for one another.
- FOR THE LOVE OF MY HUSBAND, JOHN HOLTON, WHO PASSED ON MAY 7th, 1859.BUT STILL LIVES. THE BODY IS NOT MADE TO ENDURE. THERE'S SOMETHING INSIDE SO STRONG IT FLIES FOREVER.
- SYMBOLISM IN ELIJAH OF BUXTON
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