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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. Brent says in Chapter 22 that Christmas donations frequently reach what sum?

2. With what friend does Brent reunite in Chapter 40?

3. In what year does Douglass say he went to St. Michael's?

4. As Chapter 24 opens, how many trips has Dr. Flint made to New York in search of Brent?

5. When discussing his master's house, Douglass says that people come from all BUT WHICH of the following towns to see the master's garden?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Brent's narrative begins, when and how does Brent find out that she is a slave?

2. Why, according to Douglass' recollection of his childhood, are infants separated from their mothers at such a young age in Maryland?

3. What bit of good news does Brent receive in Chapter 40, and what bad news overshadows it?

4. Why, after purchasing her from Dr. Flint, does Mr. Sands agree to send Ellen to the North?

5. According to Chapter 11, what is Douglass' opinion of the Underground Railroad?

6. Describe the process by which Douglass teaches himself to write after Mrs. Auld stops teaching him.

7. What does Douglass say about the reasons slaves sing in Chapter 2?

8. Why does Brent refuse Emily Dodge's request that she return home?

9. According to Douglass, why does Mrs. Hicks murder the young slave girl who was watching the baby?

10. To what does Douglass attribute the negative changes in the Aulds toward the end of his time with them?

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

Pick one other slave author with whom to compare and contrast Asa-Asa's story. Cite three examples in which Asa-Asa's narrative and your choice are similar, and be sure to include supporting information from both narratives.

(see the answer keys)

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