They hadnt. 10. Sometimes it can end up there. She points out that the HeLa cells did a lot of good for science, but she just wishes she knew more about who her mother was. More information about Elsie Lacks is available in Chapter 33 of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, titled The Hospital for the Negro Insane.. Deborah explained that Elsie had frequent seizures, but she thought some of Elsies problems may have stemmed from deafness. 2. Do you agree or disagree with their reasoning? What new perspective did she gain after these experiences? 4. What are some of the intended and unintended consequences of irresponsible journalism? 2. She and Henrietta sometimes sneaked out to go dancing. 4. LibGuides: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: About the Book Galen Henriettas cousin. 8. 4. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Rebecca finds one record from shortly before Henrietta gave birth to Deborah; the doctor says her cervix looked healthy then. interviews; poetry; fiction; and book reviews. What do you think of the connection between patient abuse and haunted hospitals? 10. And even more miraculously than that, the record contained a picture of Elsie as a girl. What was the Supreme Court of Californias decision regarding the Moore lawsuit? Why was Deborah unable to attend the National Foundation for Cancer Researchs Henrietta Lacks conference? One study concerned pneumoencephalography, a procedure that allowed for crisp X-rays of the brain by draining the natural fluid that surrounds and protects the brain. What scientific discoveries were made possible as a result of fused hybrid cells? He showed them the freezer where HeLa samples were kept and noted that the HeLa contamination seemed like poetic justice for sciences mistreatment of the Lacks family. 7. What types of experiments have been done, and how did researchers find test subjects? The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - OUP Academic Instead, she focuses on getting her grandchildren educated. Her favorite genres are memoirs, public health, and locked room mysteries. Based on the objective details in her medical chart, what can you infer about Henriettas life and personality? 11. How did TeLinde, Gey, and others at Johns Hopkins respond to Bergs request? What is the implication of the authors decision to use the term birth to describe the initial growth of HeLa cells? Reports of patient abuse and neglect first began to surface in the 1890s. Alexis Carrel French surgeon and Nobel Prize recipient who claimed to have cultured immortal chicken-heart cells. 4. Patients with all sorts of diagnosesfrom dementia and TB to low self-esteemwere grouped together in airless rooms, and many patients had to share beds, sleeping head to toe on twin mattresses. After her initial round of treatment, what did Henriettas doctors assume about the effectiveness of the radium therapy? What specific things can you infer about Elsies treatment based on the description of the photograph? What questions did Deborah have about her mother and sister? What did Henriettas first doctor assume the source of the lump on Henriettas cervix was? 2. What does Deborah do that illustrates that she has a great sense of humor? When Henriettas story first appeared in the mainstream media in 1976, many viewed it as one of race and racism. Summarize the various ways that HeLa was used in the space program. May 1, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Do you think Henrietta would have given explicit consent to have a tissue sample used in medical research if she had been asked? 6. Writing Prompts are thematic and organized in sections that may be of special interest to the disciplines of language arts, social studies, and science. The result of their relationship is an illuminating portrait of the enduring legacy of Henriettas life, death, and immortality. What are the intended and unintended consequences of a profitdriven health care system? Give an example of indirect characterization that reveals that the Lacks family distrusts doctors. 4. Pattillo described how Elsie was frequently used for medical experiments without informed consent or proper consideration for her well-being, similar to what happened with her mother Henrietta's cells. Shortform summary of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks", full The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks summary, Edward Snowdens CIA Training: Breaking the Rules, Capitalism in Healthcare: Reduce Barriers, Add Choices, Adenosine and Sleep: The Science of Being Tired, How Nextdoor Tried to Fight Racism on Their App, Lincoln Assassination Timeline: How the Plot Unfolded. 8. 13. Start earning points for buying books! Why wasnt Skloot excited about meeting Zakariyya? Look back over Skloots description of Zakariyyas apartment. Sign up for a free trial here . What does the authors choice of descriptive details reveal to the reader about her impression of Sonny Lacks? What did Stanley Gartler discover about eighteen of the most commonly used cell cultures? She organized an effort to build a Henrietta Lacks museum. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. While scientists were working with Henriettas cells, they found out that they were immortal. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Teachers Guide The Journals Division publishes 85 journals in the arts and humanities, technology and medicine, higher education, history, political science, and library science. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Chapter Twenty-Two: The Fame She So Richly Deserves 1. What stereotype or bias might this assumption be based upon? Teachers: If youd like a printable version of this guide, download the PDF attachment at the bottom of this page.About the Book In 1950, Henrietta Lacks, a young mother of five children, entered the colored ward of The Johns Hopkins Hospital to begin treatment for an extremely aggressive strain of cervical cancer. The Biblical language also gives the Lacks family a sense of meaning for understanding what happened to Henrietta and what continues to happen to them. --Tom Nissley, Amazon.com (Retrieved July 11, 2011). Deborah explains that she's extra suspicious of outsiders because of Cofield the con artist. As a result, this guide is structured to provide discussion and writing activities that will engage students in researching, reading, and writing across the curriculum. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. 9. 8. 5. Why do you think Deborah tells Skloot that she just witnessed a miracle? Explain the significance of the gift that Skloot delivered to Deborah at their first meeting. Why did Deborah agree to help Speed and Wyche with their museum project? 5. Despite Deborahs clear shock, she insisted she still wanted Finally, Sonny tells Rebecca that Deborah died quietly in her sleep of a heart attack. She was put in an extremely overcrowded hospital and was likely operated on without her consent; her epilepsy "treatment" killed her when she was just 15. About the Guide The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks contains three main narratives, each with unique applications to the disciplines of language arts, history, and science. This is where youll see your current point status and your earned rewards. Chapter Thirteen: The HeLa Factory 1. 9. Rebecca realizes that the simple language of the Bible (for example, Jesus saying "I give them eternal life and they shall never die") is more evocative and moving for many members of the Lacks family than the jargon-laden language of scientific texts. 7. What was Chester Southam concerned that HeLa cells might do? What burden does he ask to be lifted from Deborah? Deborah is devastated by the knowledge that her sister probably died alone and in pain, but tries to keep a brave face despite being near tears. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. 6. The Best Books to Get Your Finances in Order, Books Based on Your Favorite Taylor Swift Era, Cook a Soul Food Holiday Meal With Rosie Mayes. Lacks title Negro American Literature Forum and for the next fifteen years They spent the next half hour learning about cells. Why do you think Joe turned himself in to the police? You can view our. How are Gladys and Gary related to Deborah? 8. 6. Examine pages 5 and 6 and write down each step that Skloot took to begin her research. What does Hsus request reveal about her attitude towards the Lackses? Journalists and OthersCourtney Mama Speedresident of Turner Station and owner of Speeds Grocery. The marriage was abusive and ended in divorce. The conference is suddenly canceled after September 11, with no plans to reschedule. By Laurie Fickman 713-743-8454. What did Pullum ask Skloot to preach about at JaBreas baptism? How did her reaction evolve after she had a chance to dwell on the picture and process the disturbing information that she had been given? Complete your free account to access notes and highlights, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: Make a prediction based on the foreshadowing regarding Mr. Cofield. 9. He became known as a vigilante. 7. He was the first journalist to contact the Lackses. Does some medical research seem more wrong? 4. What does the fact that the town still has more than ten churches suggest about the people in Turner Station? 4. From a single, abbreviated life grew a seemingly immortal line of cells that made some of the most crucial innovations in modern science possible. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! The Long Road to Clover 2009. Though this is not entirely accurate from a scientific point of view, it provides a much more emotionally satisfying answer than most scientific explanations. As a high school student, Skloot began researching HeLa cells to find out more about Henrietta Lacks. In spite of her deliberate decision to not read her mothers medical records, Deborah Lacks still learned extremely upsetting details about her mothers illness and autopsy. This item is part of a JSTOR Collection. After witnessing the amount of physical and emotional anguish that Deborah is in, Gary begins to preach and lay hands on Deborah. 3. Delancey discusses one specific example at length: Danvers State Hospital in Massachusetts. WebHowever, only a few weeks later, her medical records indicate that Henrietta was in agonizing pain and unable to urinate. Explain Van Valens theory that HeLa cells are no longer human. Was his theory accepted by the scientific community? Literature and Culture of the Modern Language Association, the and culture. Chapter Seven: The Death and Life of Cell Culture 1. Why Different Societies Have Different Moral Codes | Shortform Books 9. Chapter Fifteen: Too Young to Remember 1. How does Deborah respond after Garys prayer? 6. These prompts guide students toward an in-depth analysis of the themes and issues central to the story of Henrietta Lacks, and several may promote outside reading or research. The hospital was grossly understaffed, and often housed abusive adults in with children. Chapter Seventeen: Illegal, Immoral, and Deplorable 1. She lives in Chicago. Since everybody benefits, everybody can accept the small risks of having their tissue scraps used in research. However, in a profit-driven health care system, all citizens do not have equal access to the treatments and medications made possible by tissue and cell research. A sample of her cancerous tissue, taken without her knowledge or consent, as was the custom then, turned out to provide one of the holy grails of mid-century biology: human cells that could survive--even thrive--in the lab. 3. The two women visit Deborah's aunt Gladys, but Deborah is acting strangely. Gary tells Deborah that her quest to find out about Elsie and Henrietta has been a way of honoring her mother. Explain what he means by saying this. Some rooms had drains on the floor rather than toilets. Plant-Based Diet and Weight Loss: Do Veggies Work? Contrast the rhetorical structure and narrative strategies used in the television episode with those in Skloots book. The marriage was abusive and ended in divorce.Alfred Jr.Deborah and Cheetahs firstborn child and Little Alfreds fatherBobette Lacks Lawrences wife. They wander around the building looking for the medical records office, before Deborah finally takes matters into her own hands and starts yelling to get someone's attention. Explain your answers. Chapter Nine: Turner Station 1. The marriage was abusive and ended in divorce.Alfred Jr.Deborah and Cheetahs firstborn child and Little Alfreds fatherBobette LacksLawrences wife. Elsie Lacks was the second child of Henrietta Lacks. Where does he ask the burden to be placed? She helped raise Lawrences siblings after Henriettas death, and advocated for them when she discovered they were being abused.Cliff GarretHenriettas cousin. What is Skloot revealing through the juxtaposition of scenes and the division of the book into the three sections of Life, Death, and Immortality? Crazy Joe Grinnan Henriettas cousin who competed unsuccessfully with Day for her affection. What is mitosis? 7. Describe the extent to which the profits from that business are likely a direct result of the sale of HeLa cells. 2. He became known as a vigilante. What does Deborah say about people who frame her mothers story as a story about racism? Explain your answers. Explain how Davons heroic actions saved Deborahs life. The Press is home to the largest journal publication program of any U.S.-based university press. How long had Henrietta been dead when her family found out that her cells were still alive? Why were the hospitals medical records from the 1950s and earlier disposed of? 4. Deborah is prepared, however, and hands him legal documents showing her relationship to Elsie. Were cells taken only from black patients? 5. Chapter Three: Diagnosis and Treatment 1. Less than a year after her initial diagnosis, Henrietta succumbed to the ravages of cancer and was buried in an unmarked grave on her familys land. HFS provides print and digital distribution for a distinguished list of university presses and nonprofit institutions. Do you agree with the courts ruling? Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole. How is it being interpreted now? Why did the Tuskegee Institute become involved in the mass production of HeLa cells? WebIt's also a search for the right people to love. The Lacks family often treats the HeLa cells as though they were Henrietta; they speak to them as though they can hear (such as in Chapter 32 when Deborah warms a vial of her mother's cells in her hands, saying that she's cold), they refer to them as having agency and thought, and so on. The questions in the final section, Topics for Further Discussion, require students to expand their thinking and engage in significant research activities related to subjects or issues raised in the book. She takes the photo of Elsie with her and thanks Paul Lurz. During her surgery to remove the cancer, they took a sample of a tumor in her cervix to have it examined in the lab. 9. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. The narrative structure of the book is quite complex, as the author weaves together numerous narratives. 7. Elsie Lacks medical records show that she suffered abuse, experimentation, and mistreatment. Board Certification. Soon to be made into an HBO movie by Oprah Winfrey and Alan Ball, this New York Times bestseller takes readers on an extraordinary journey, from the colored ward of Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s to stark white laboratories with freezers filled with HeLa cells, from Henriettas small, dying hometown of Clover, Virginia, to East Baltimore today, where her children and grandchildren live and struggle with the legacy of her cells. Deborah shifts between joy at finding out new information about her mother and panic at each new fact. Michael Rogers Rolling Stone reporter who wrote an article about the Lacks family in 1976. How was Joes life different from his brothers lives? In spite of her deliberate decision to not read her mothers medical records, Deborah Lacks still learned extremely upsetting details about her mothers illness and autopsy. 3. 3. What unique abilities did HeLa have that allowed it to contaminate cultures without researchers being aware that contamination had occurred? How soon after Henriettas death did the media attempt to write about her? Deborah says that she wants God to take the burden of the cells from her life, and Gary tells her that this is why Rebecca has come into her life - she will take on the burden of the cells instead. All rights reserved. Suduiko, Aaron ed. Describe your first impression of Zakariyya. 5. 6. 5. He organizes a yearly HeLa conference at Morehouse in Henriettas honor.Stanley Gartlerthe geneticist who dropped the HeLa bomb when he proposed that many of the most commonly used cell cultures had been contaminated by HeLaSusan Hsuthe postdoctoral student in Victor McKusicks lab who was assigned to make contact with the Lackses and request samples from them for genetic testing without informed consentVictor McKusickgeneticist at Johns Hopkins who conducted research on samples taken from Henriettas children without informed consent to learn more about HeLa cellsWalter Nelson-Reesthe geneticist who tracked and published the names of cell lines contaminated with HeLa without first warning the researchers he exposed. Journals Explain your answer. Request Permissions, Published By: The Johns Hopkins University Press. She whispers to the vial, saying that Henrietta is famous, but no one knows it. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1725 titles we cover. 5. Skloot tells her that the blood McKusick took from her family wasn't for a cancer test. In the Afterword, Skloot summarizes the main issues and legislation surrounding the collection and use of human tissue samples. He left his ten children when their mother died. What are the risks and benefits of allowing profit to guide research? 11. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks study guide contains a biography of Rebecca Skloot, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Where did the name HeLa come from? Mary Kubicek George Geys lab assistant who cultured HeLa cells for the first time. His research involved taking tissue samples from Henrietta and other cervical cancer patients at Johns Hopkins. How did TeLinde hope to prove that his hypothesis about cervical cancer was correct? 4. Describe the lawsuit that set a legal precedent for patenting biological products such as cell lines. Summarize John Moores story. Lacks went to Johns Hopkins medical center for treatment for her cancer. 4. In May 2001, Deborah, Zakariyya, and Rebecca head to Lengauer's lab. Deborah and Rebecca can only find pieces of Elsie's story: a terrifying photo in which Elsie has a white woman's hands wrapped around her neck, an autopsy report, and evidence of horrific experiments conducted at the hospital in the same time period that Elsie was there. 10. Explain how TeLinde and Geys relationship led to Gey obtaining a tissue sample from Henriettas tumor. Deborah feels possessive of Henrietta's records because they're all she has left of her mothera tragic but understandable confession. Why do you think no one told her very much about them? WebWhat does Pattillo tell Skloot about Elsie Lacks? About the Author REBECCA SKLOOT is an award-winning science writer whose articles have appeared in The New York Times Magazine; O, The Oprah Magazine; Discover; Prevention; Glamour; and others. Nuremberg) have been made to govern the way this research is conducted, and how successful have these attempts been? Michael Gold author of a Conspiracy of Cells. Deborah says that this was probably Henrietta's revenge for using her cells without permission, and everyone laughs. The title of this chapter contains an allusion to the classic horror movie Frankenstein. What motivated Michael Rogers to find the Lacks family? When Skloot sees Henrietta's medical records lying on her bed with Deborah's other papers, she makes the mistake of reaching for them. Gey was conducting experiments in an attempt to create an immortal line of human cells that could be used in medical research. 2. How does Deborah respond when Skloot suggests photocopying some of Henriettas records? She was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cellstaken without her knowledge in 1951became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in vitro fertilization, and more. Until this point, all of Geys attempts to grow a human cell line had ended in failure, but Henriettas cells were different: they never died. Compare and contrast Skloots, Deborahs, and Zakariyyas interactions with the Jesus statue at Johns Hopkins. She's not too concerned about the money. She was a black woman, who had cervical cancer growing in her cervix. 5. What did some family members think was the real reason Ethel moved in? What does Zakariyya believe about his birth? Why did Deborah decide to go back to school? WebElsie Lacks's treatment at Crownsville is a particularly painful episode in the history of mistreatment of black people at the hands of the medical profession. What questions does Deborah have about her mother? After her diagnosis and treatment, how did Henrietta behave? Why did Deborah choose not to request a copy of her mothers medical records? Explain your answer. due to epilepsy and died at age fifteen. Reverend James Pullum Deborahs second ex-husband, a former steel-mill worker who became a preacher. In Elsie's medical record is a photo of her looking unkempt and crying, which a white woman's hand around her throat. What do the Lackses believe Johns Hopkins did to black people? Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text. Describe the relationship between Deborah and her grandson Davon. Chapter Twelve: The Storm 1. How have groups of people such as African Americans, women, children, and most recently, immigrants, fought for legislation protecting their right to privacy? She is the Founder and President of the Henrietta Lacks Foundation. Analyze the note that Joe wrote to the judge. Rebecca at last loses her cool, however, and this, surprisingly, makes Deborah relent. 3. If Henrietta Lacks could know how important her cells have been to science, do you think she would approve of the fact that they were taken from her without her knowledge or consent? Why do you think she responds this way? 7. How did the development of HeLa cells change the way research could be conducted? The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - SparkNotes To redeem, copy and paste the code during the checkout process. His research involved taking tissue samples from Henrietta and other cervical cancer patients at Johns Hopkins.Roland Pattilloprofessor of gynecology at Morehouse School of Medicine who was one of George Geys only African-American students. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. 5. Locations. Despite Deborahs clear shock, she insisted she still wanted to go to the Maryland State Records Archive to see if Elsies medical records had survived. Research the laws and the ethical debate over offering payment in exchange for participation in scientific studies, or for the donation of blood, eggs, sperm, or other biological materials. 7. 10. Skloot ends the book with a quote from Deborah about immortality. Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa.
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