The Noble Act of Uncle John: A Hero Among Enslaved People

Based on the passage, why might enslaved people have seen Uncle John as a hero?

Based on this passage, we can say that enslaved people might have seen Uncle John as a hero because of his noble act of returning the raccoon. He didn't have to lift the boxes and then let them go, which they appreciated. It paid off because they expressed their gratitude.

Uncle John's act of returning the raccoon demonstrated his kindness and compassion towards the enslaved people. By going out of his way to release the raccoon, he showed that he cared about their well-being and valued their freedom. This act of selflessness would have resonated with the enslaved people, who were likely used to witnessing acts of cruelty and indifference.

Furthermore, Uncle John's intelligence and wit in avoiding trouble by portraying himself as a prophet would have also impressed the enslaved people. In a time when they were oppressed and powerless, Uncle John's ability to outsmart others and carve out a better situation for himself would have been seen as a form of resistance and strength.

In conclusion, Uncle John's actions in the passage portray him as a hero to the enslaved people due to his kindness, compassion, intelligence, and ability to navigate a difficult and unjust context.