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Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

Last updated almost 2 years ago

6 questions

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Question 1

1.

Explain what this phrase means to Douglass, "Mistress, in teaching me the alphabet, had given me the inch, and no precaution could prevent me from taking the ell."

Question 2

2.

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 "bread" knowledge?

Question 3

3.

Douglass reads a dialogue between a master and his slave as well as a speech by Sheridan. List at least three details that show a direct result or effect of him reading these texts.

Question 4

4.

Why does Douglass say in line 121, "I have often wished myself a beast"?

Question 5

5.

Reread lines 105-112. What words reveal Douglass's perspective on, or view of, slaveholders?

Question 6

6.

Frederick Douglass describes his ability to read as a curse. Explain why you think he comes to think this way after he worked so hard to learn to read.