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.

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”?

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

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

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?

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.