Within the pages of Margot Lee Shetterly’s captivating non-fiction masterpiece, Hidden Figures, lies the untold story of the brilliant and resilient African American women whose contributions to the space race went largely unnoticed for decades.
As history unfolded amidst the backdrop of racial segregation and gender inequality, these hidden figures defied the odds, breaking barriers and reshaping the trajectory of scientific innovation.
Shetterly’s meticulously researched narrative unveils the extraordinary lives of these trailblazing mathematicians, whose intellect and determination propelled America’s journey to the stars.
| Name of the PDF | Hidden Figures Questions and Answers pdf |
| Author | Margot Lee Shetterly |
| No. of pages | 6 |
| Category | Novel |
| Language | English |
| PDF Link | Click Here |
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Plot Summary of Hidden Figures
The book begins by introducing the reader to the segregated society of the United States in the 1940s and 1950s, where racial discrimination was rampant. Despite facing numerous obstacles, particularly in the field of science and engineering, a group of exceptionally talented African American women found opportunities at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia.
The narrative focuses on the lives and careers of three key women: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. These women were mathematicians and engineers whose contributions were essential to the success of NASA’s early space missions.
Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician with exceptional skills in geometry and calculus, became known for her accuracy in calculating trajectories and orbits. She played a crucial role in John Glenn’s historic orbit around the Earth and in the Apollo missions to the moon.
Dorothy Vaughan was a trailblazer in computer programming. She was one of the first African American supervisors at NASA and led a team of human computers who performed complex calculations by hand. As technology evolved, Dorothy recognized the importance of learning computer programming languages and taught herself and her team, ensuring their relevance in the changing technological landscape.
Mary Jackson was an engineer who fought against racial and gender barriers to become NASA’s first African American female engineer. Her determination and perseverance opened doors for future generations of women and minorities in the field of engineering.
Throughout the book, the author highlights not only the professional achievements of these women but also the personal challenges they faced as African Americans living in a segregated society. Despite the discrimination and barriers they encountered, they remained dedicated to their work and made invaluable contributions to the space program.
Key Characters of Hidden Figures
Katherine Johnson: A brilliant mathematician with exceptional skills in geometry and calculus. She worked at NASA’s Langley Research Center and became known for her precise calculations of trajectories and orbits, which were crucial to the success of early space missions.
Dorothy Vaughan: An African American mathematician and computer programmer. Vaughan was one of the first African American supervisors at NASA and led a team of human computers who performed complex calculations by hand. She later taught herself and her team computer programming languages, ensuring their relevance in the evolving technological landscape.
Mary Jackson: An engineer who fought against racial and gender barriers to become NASA’s first African American female engineer. Jackson’s determination and perseverance paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in the field of engineering.
Christine Darden: Another African American mathematician and engineer at NASA. Darden’s work focused on supersonic flight and sonic boom research. She faced discrimination and challenges in her career but ultimately became a respected figure in her field.
John Glenn: A pioneering astronaut and the first American to orbit the Earth. Glenn’s historic flight was made possible in part by the precise calculations of Katherine Johnson.
Al Harrison: A fictionalized composite character representing several NASA supervisors. Harrison is depicted as a progressive figure who values the contributions of all employees, regardless of race or gender.
Paul Stafford: A fictionalized character representing the challenges and prejudices faced by African American women at NASA. Stafford initially undermines and doubts the abilities of Katherine Johnson but eventually comes to respect her talent and expertise.
Themes Explored in Hidden Figures
Racial Segregation and Discrimination: The book vividly portrays the pervasive racial segregation and discrimination that African Americans faced in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. It highlights the challenges these women encountered in pursuing careers in science and engineering, including segregated workplaces, unequal opportunities, and systemic racism.
Gender Discrimination: In addition to racial discrimination, Hidden Figures also addresses the gender discrimination prevalent in the workforce during this time period. Women, especially African American women, faced limited opportunities for advancement and were often relegated to lower-status positions despite their qualifications and abilities.
Persistence and Determination: Despite facing numerous obstacles and barriers, the women depicted in the book demonstrate remarkable persistence and determination in pursuing their goals and advancing their careers. Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of perseverance.
Intellectual Excellence and Expertise: Hidden Figures emphasizes the intellectual excellence and expertise of the African American women mathematicians and engineers at NASA. It challenges stereotypes and showcases the significant contributions these women made to the success of the U.S. space program through their mathematical prowess and technical skills.
Teamwork and Collaboration: The book also underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success. Despite the challenges they faced, the women of Hidden Figures worked together and supported each other in their endeavors, contributing to the collective effort of the NASA team.
Breaking Barriers and Pioneering Change: Through the stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and others, Hidden Figures celebrates the pioneering efforts of individuals who broke through racial and gender barriers to achieve success in their fields. Their accomplishments helped pave the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM professions.
Instances of Symbolism Found in Hidden Figures
Calculations and Mathematics: Throughout the book, the precision and importance of mathematical calculations serve as a symbol of intellectual prowess and expertise. Katherine Johnson’s calculations, in particular, symbolize not only her own genius but also the broader contributions of African American women to the success of NASA’s missions. Mathematics becomes a metaphor for breaking barriers and achieving the seemingly impossible.
The Space Race: The Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union serves as a symbolic backdrop for the story. It represents not only a competition for technological supremacy but also a broader struggle for social progress and equality. The achievements of African American women at NASA symbolize the potential for overcoming racial and gender barriers in pursuit of national goals.
Segregation and Integration: The segregated workplace at NASA’s Langley Research Center symbolizes the broader racial divisions and inequalities in American society during the 1940s and 1950s. However, as the story progresses, the integration of the workplace symbolizes progress towards greater equality and inclusion, albeit with continued challenges and resistance.
Symbols of Progress: The success stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and others serve as symbols of progress and achievement in the face of adversity. Their accomplishments symbolize the potential for social change and the breaking down of barriers based on race and gender.
Computers and Technology: The transition from human computers to electronic computers symbolizes the evolving role of technology in society and its impact on work and culture. Dorothy Vaughan’s mastery of computer programming symbolizes adaptation and resilience in the face of technological change.
Symbols of Unity and Collaboration: Despite the racial and gender divisions depicted in the book, moments of unity and collaboration among colleagues symbolize the potential for overcoming prejudice and working together towards common goals.
Is Hidden Figures a Good Book
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly is an exceptional book that offers a captivating and insightful exploration of the untold stories of the African American women mathematicians and engineers who played pivotal roles at NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.
Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Shetterly brings to life the remarkable achievements and contributions of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and other unsung heroes.
The book not only sheds light on the significant scientific and technical advancements made by these women but also delves into the social and cultural challenges they faced in a segregated society.
Shetterly’s narrative skillfully navigates themes of racial discrimination, gender inequality, perseverance, and triumph, resonating with readers on both intellectual and emotional levels.
It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, history, and social justice, offering profound insights into the overlooked contributions of African American women to the space race and beyond.
Why is the Book Called Hidden Figures
The title Hidden Figures holds multiple layers of meaning within the context of the book.
Firstly, it directly refers to the main subjects of the narrative: the African American women mathematicians and engineers who worked at NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.
These women, despite their significant contributions, were often overlooked or marginalized in historical accounts, remaining hidden from mainstream recognition for decades.
Secondly, Hidden Figures symbolizes the broader theme of hidden or obscured histories. The book shines a light on the untold stories of these remarkable women, bringing their achievements out of the shadows and into the forefront of public consciousness.
By uncovering these hidden figures, the book challenges prevailing narratives and celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of marginalized groups to American history and scientific progress.
Additionally, the title can also be interpreted metaphorically, representing the societal barriers and obstacles that these women faced in their careers. Despite being hidden from view or underestimated by their peers, they emerged as pivotal figures in the space race, breaking through barriers of race and gender to achieve success and recognition.
Conclusion
Hidden Figures illuminates the remarkable but often overlooked contributions of African American women mathematicians to the success of NASA’s space missions.
Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Margot Lee Shetterly’s book sheds light on the perseverance, intelligence, and resilience of these women in the face of discrimination and adversity.
Their achievements not only advanced scientific progress but also challenged societal norms, paving the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields.
FAQs
What is Hidden Figures about?
Hidden Figures tells the untold true story of the African-American female mathematicians who played crucial roles in the American space program during the 1960s.
Who is the author of Hidden Figures?
The author of Hidden Figures is Margot Lee Shetterly. She grew up in Hampton, Virginia, surrounded by the women featured in her book.
Is Hidden Figures based on a true story?
Yes, Hidden Figures is based on a true story. It explores the lives and contributions of African-American female mathematicians, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, who worked at NASA during the Space Race era.
What inspired Margot Lee Shetterly to write Hidden Figures?
Margot Lee Shetterly was inspired by her childhood experiences in Hampton, Virginia, where she grew up surrounded by NASA employees, including many African-American women who worked as mathematicians and engineers.
What impact did Hidden Figures have on popular culture?
Hidden Figures received widespread acclaim and brought attention to the often-overlooked contributions of African-American women to the space program. It was adapted into a successful film released in 2016, further amplifying its impact.
What themes are explored in Hidden Figures?
Themes in Hidden Figures include racial and gender discrimination, perseverance, the importance of education, and the power of collaboration and determination in overcoming obstacles.
Is Hidden Figures suitable for all ages?
Hidden Figures is generally considered suitable for young adult readers and older. However, some themes, such as discrimination and racial segregation, may require parental guidance for younger readers.
Has Hidden Figures won any awards?
Yes, Hidden Figures has received several awards and nominations, including the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Nonfiction and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction.
Niketa Mulay, a seasoned content writer and editor, has over a decade of experience. With a Master’s in Journalism, she honed her skills at The Times of India and now freelances across various industries. Passionate about reading, writing, and scuba diving, she shares expert PDF guides and tips at PDFdrivehub.com.