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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. As his narrative begins, Douglass says that he has had two masters. What is the name of his first master?

2. For which relative does Douglass feel especially sorry after the death of his former master?

3. What is the name of the young man that helps Brent find her way in Chapter 20?

4. After discovering he can't manage Douglass, Thomas Auld finally rents Douglass out to a man by what name?

5. How long does it take for Ellen to arrive in Brooklyn after she leaves Mr. Sands?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Describe the Bruce household Brent finds after escaping North.

6. What fright does Brent face in Chapters 35 and 36?

7. What changes in the last six months of Douglass' time with Mr. Covey?

8. At the beginning of his narrative, what reason does Douglass give for not knowing how old he is?

9. Explain the ploy by which Brent is able to convince Dr. Flint that she has indeed run away to New York while she is really hiding in her grandmother's attic.

10. What is the result when Brent falls in love with a free black man?

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

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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