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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the name "Olaudah" mean in Vassa's native language, according to his description of his childhood?

2. What is the name of Vassa's friend who teaches him to shave and read?

3. Upon reaching Mr. I------'s household, Prince says she notices a French Black; what is the French Black person's name?

4. According to the Supplement to Prince's narrative, what is the name of the solicitor who agrees to take Prince's case to court?

5. After attending the Moravian church, Prince meets the man who will be her husband. What is his name?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 6, what decision does Vassa say he has reached about the life of a free black person?

2. According to the preface of Mary Prince's narrative, why did she wish to write her story?

3. After being beaten by Captain I---- when a cow gets lose, Prince runs away to her mother. What is the result of this flight?

4. At the end of his narrative, what is Vassa's major argument for why the slave trade should end?

5. After Hetty's death, Prince is severely beaten for what mistake?

6. What reason does Pringle give in the preface for why the full names of Captain and Mrs. I---- and Mr. D---- have not been printed?

7. What events lead to Prince being placed with Mrs. Pruden, after her service with the Williams family?

8. Describe the manner in which Vassa earns the nickname "Captain" after purchasing his freedom.

9. Describe the logic by which Vassa believes he cannot be sold at the end of Chapter 4.

10. Describe Vassa's response to his continued slavery after he is sold.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of Vassa's masters, Mr. King, is kind to his slaves and refuses to beat or abuse them. Instead, he simply sells slaves with whom he is unhappy. Mr. King is a Quaker, and his refusal to torture his slaves is likely in keeping with his religious beliefs. Based on King's treatment of his slaves, does he deserve the title of a good slave owner? The slaves he sells are likely to be abused by their purchasers; does King bear any responsibility for their fate? In a well-developed essay, frame an argument as to whether King is an above-average slave owner or if, by reason of negligence or antipathy, he is just as bad as any other. Use supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Is there anything to Mr. Auld's argument that educating a slave is dangerous? Cite and discuss three ways in which an educated slave might be detrimental to the slave system, using supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast societal attitudes on race as described by one of the four authors with the state of race in America today. What are the major differences and similarities? Include outside research and supporting information from the text.

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