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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 is the name of Vassa's young American friend on the ship in Chapter 3?

2. In Chapter 7, Vassa buys a suit anticipating his freedom. How much does his new suit cost?

3. After his initial voyage as a kidnapped slave, Vassa is taken off the slave ship at which Caribbean island?

4. In what year does Vassa sail for Cadiz?

5. As Chapter 2 begins, Vassa says that he was kidnapped at what age?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the response of Betsey Williams upon learning that Prince will be sold to raise money for her father's wedding?

2. What description does Vassa give of the Indians he and Dr. Irving meet in Cadiz?

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

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

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

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 happens when Prince meets her mother again during her time on Turk's Island?

8. Describe Vassa's experience with Quakers in Chapter 7.

9. What is the conflict between Vassa and Mr. Read after he is freed?

10. Describe the concerns of Vassa's master when another slave accuses Vassa of plotting to escape and the resultant agreement about Vassa's freedom.

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

Brent ends her narrative by saying that she obtained freedom, though not in the usual way by marriage. Does Brent intend to say that freedom matters more to her than marriage? In a well-developed essay, argue which is more important to her and include supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 3

In a well-developed essay, explore the concept of age as it relates to Douglass. What does chronological age represent for him? Illustrate the ways in which age is a symbol for Douglass' slavery.

(see the answer keys)

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