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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. When the farm owner dies, Prince is bought by Captain Darrel and then given to his granddaughter. What is his granddaughter's name?

2. What is the name of the slave owner with whom Vassa has trouble after purchasing his freedom?

3. In the care of Mrs. Pruden, Prince looks after children by all BUT WHICH of the following names?

4. In what year does Vassa petition the Queen of England to end African slavery?

5. Which of the following fruits does Vassa NOT plant on his visit to the Bahamas?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the trick men attempt to use to capture Vassa in Savannah.

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

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

4. While in England with the Woods family, what work is Prince compelled to do that is very difficult for her? How does Mr. Woods respond?

5. Describe the work required of Prince and the other slaves under the ownership of Mr. D-----.

6. What sort of life does Vassa find when he comes into contact with Captain Doran and Mr. King?

7. With what illnesses does Vassa contend upon arriving in London?

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

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

10. Discuss Prince's reaction to Hetty upon being sold to Captain I---- and arriving at his household.

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

Compare and contrast the slave trade into which Gustavus Vassa is sold with the slave system he speaks of in his recollections of growing up in Africa. Highlight three major similarities or differences between the Western slave trade and the slave system common to African tribes.

Essay Topic 3

Explore and discuss the reason why slaves were commonly separated from their families. What logistical purpose did the separation serve? Detail three ways in which the separation of family members benefited the slave system, as discussed by Douglass, and include supporting information from his narrative.

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