Frederick Douglass Quiz NWMS Simmons

Cause/Effect Reread paragraphs 2 and 3. Did the mistress’s initial kindness or her eventual cruelty have a greater effect on Frederick Douglass? Explain.

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Interpret When describing how he paid his child tutors, Douglass says, “This bread I used to bestow upon the hungry little urchins, who, in return, would give me that more valuable bread of knowledge.” In what way is knowledge “bread”?

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Evaluate Reread paragraph 6. What words reveal Douglass’s perspective on, or view of, slaveholders?

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Analyze What is Douglass’s purpose for writing? Identify three passages that help him achieve his goal, and explain why.

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Notice & Note In paragraph 6, Douglass says, “I have often wished myself a beast.” What does the word beast mean in other contexts? What point do you think Douglass is making when he uses it here?

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Through the experiences described in this excerpt, Douglass gained ____________

• A gratitude for his master’s and mistress’s actions

• B a belief that people are not to be trusted

• C more knowledge about the problem of slavery

• D pleasure in spending time with his white friends

Why does Douglass first describe his mistress as “a kind and tender-hearted woman”?

• A To contrast with her later, cruel behavior

• B To show how much he wanted to learn to read

• C To prove that some slaveholders were caring

• D To emphasize his good fortune

Which sentence from the excerpt best demonstrates Douglass’s feelings about reading after he learned about slavery?

• F In the same book, I met with one of Sheridan’s mighty speeches on and in behalf of Catholic emancipation.

• G In moments of agony, I envied my fellow-slaves for their stupidity.

• H It was pressed upon me by every object within sight or hearing, animate or inanimate.

• J I heard nothing without hearing it, and felt nothing without feeling it.

What can readers infer about Douglass's view on the importance of literacy?

• He believes literacy is irrelevant to the slaves' condition.

• He views literacy as a tool for maintaining the status quo.

• He sees literacy as a pathway to freedom and self-empowerment.

• He considers literacy dangerous and likely to cause discontent among slaves.

How does Douglass use his narrative to challenge the justifications of slavery at the time?

• By showing that slaves were content with their lives.

• By highlighting the economic inefficiency of slavery.

• By illustrating the brutal and inhumane treatment of slaves.

• By arguing that slavery was beneficial for the moral development of slaves.