The Underground Railroad

by

Colson Whitehead

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The Underground Railroad makes teaching easy.
Fiona is a young Irish woman who is employed as a servant by Martin and Ethel. She exposes the fact that her employers are hiding Cora in the attic, claiming that she has to look after her own interests in order to make it in America. However, she seems to excessively delight in the opportunity to snitch, shouting gleefully as Cora is pulled out the house.
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Fiona Character Timeline in The Underground Railroad

The timeline below shows where the character Fiona appears in The Underground Railroad. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 6: North Carolina
Family, Heritage, and Home Theme Icon
Endurance vs. Rebellion Theme Icon
Death and Freedom Theme Icon
Brutality and Violation Theme Icon
History, Myth, and Fantasy Theme Icon
...a chamber pot, and tells her that she must be absolutely quiet. If the servant, Fiona, or any visitors discover Cora’s presence, they will all be murdered. Through a tiny crack... (full context)
Family, Heritage, and Home Theme Icon
Endurance vs. Rebellion Theme Icon
Death and Freedom Theme Icon
Brutality and Violation Theme Icon
History, Myth, and Fantasy Theme Icon
...if she leaves they will all certainly be killed. During the days, Cora listens to Fiona cursing while Martin and Ethel are out. Cora is curious about the Irish community from... (full context)
Family, Heritage, and Home Theme Icon
Endurance vs. Rebellion Theme Icon
Death and Freedom Theme Icon
...“bad omens.” First, Cora accidentally knocks over her chamber pot, and the only reason why Fiona doesn’t notice is because a friend of hers happens to be visiting. Martin and Ethel... (full context)
Family, Heritage, and Home Theme Icon
Endurance vs. Rebellion Theme Icon
Death and Freedom Theme Icon
Brutality and Violation Theme Icon
History, Myth, and Fantasy Theme Icon
...throws up. Ethel cares for her, adopting a newly gentle attitude. Martin and Ethel tell Fiona not to come to work for a few days, knowing that Cora is too ill... (full context)
Family, Heritage, and Home Theme Icon
Death and Freedom Theme Icon
Value, Ownership, and Commodification Theme Icon
Brutality and Violation Theme Icon
History, Myth, and Fantasy Theme Icon
Cora looks at Fiona and is astonished by how young she is. Martin says to Fiona, “We treated you... (full context)