English midterm

Why did Douglass address the ships? What does this tell you about him?

Douglass addressed the ships because he saw their chains as analogous to his own. He was aware that they could leave, but he could not. This incident demonstrates his intelligence and sensitivity as well as his growing desire to escape.

Who was Mr. Plummer, and how did he behave toward the slaves?

Mr. Plummer was Captain Anthony's overseer, and his behavior toward the slaves was barbaric. He was considered a good overseer for keeping the slaves in check.

Describe Mr. Ruggles and what he did for Douglass.

Mr. Ruggles was a kindly abolitionist who found Douglass in New York and took him in. He arranged for Douglass to go to New Bedford and work as a calker and even helped him marry Anna. He gave him 5 dollars and arranged transport for them.

What did Sandy give Douglass? What was it for?

Sandy gave Douglass a root. It was supposed to protect him and prevent anyone from whipping him.

Why do you think slave owners allowed their overseers to treat their slaves so brutally, even though the slaves were valuable property?

Slave owners allowed their overseers to treat their slaves so brutally, even though they were valuable property, as a warning to other slaves. If they punished a few of them severely, the others would be more willing to obey.

Why would slave owners treat their slaves differently in the city than on the plantation?

Slave owners treated their slaves differently in the city than on the plantation because in the country they were more isolated, and no one could really see what they were doing. In the city everyone lived in much closer quarters, and everyone saw what everyone else was doing, so people were more likely to be judged for mistreating their slaves.

Why were slaves sent to Mr. Covey?

Slaves sent to Mr. Covey to be "broken." He had a reputation for being able to make slaves mind him, and even though he was poor, slaves were often sent to him for a year so he would make them obedient.

How was the battle with Mr. Covey the turning-point in Douglass's "career" as a slave?

The battle with Mr. Covey was the turning-point in Douglass's "career" as a slave because it renewed his desire for freedom. He was determined to be his own man and stand up to the injustices of slavery.

What was Covey's most common excuse for whipping Douglass?

The most common reason Covey whipped Douglass was awkwardness, followed by stubbornness.

By what nickname did the slaves refer to Covey? Why?

The nickname slaves used to refer to Covey was the "snake" because he always sneaked around trying to catch them off guard and find reasons to punish them.

How did the way people treated Douglass after he escaped compare to the way he had been treated as a slave? Give detailed answers, supported by textual evidence.

After he escaped, people were very kind to Douglass. He was offered charity and assistance everywhere he went. This was in sharp contrast to the way he had been treated as a slave, where he was considered property. As a slave he was not allowed to make his own choices, no one looked out for his welfare, and people considered it their right to take advantage of him. Once free, people respected him and he became a leader in the anti-slavery movement.

Based on these chapters, do you consider Douglas an optimist, a pessimist, or a realist? Explain your reasoning.

Based on these chapters, students might consider Douglas an optimist because he believed things would be better in the city than on the plantation, but students might also consider him a pessimist because he thought that he would always be a slave. He could be a realist because he felt that it didn't matter where he was, because being a slave was being a slave.

Why was being a field hand especially difficult for Douglass?

Being a field hand was especially difficult for Douglass because he was used to being in the city and did not know how to do farm work. He was awkward and clumsy and was often punished for it.

Why did Captain Auld send Douglass to Auld's brother in Baltimore?

Captain Auld sent Douglass to his brother in Baltimore after he was accused of planning an escape. Auld was afraid Douglass would be killed if he stayed.

What made Captain Auld a feared slaveholder?

Captain Auld was a bad slaveholder because he was not used to it and did not know what to do. He was unpredictable and his erratic enforcement of rules caused the slaves to dislike him and have no respect for him. They did not even call him master, even though he wanted them to. They called him Captain Auld.

How were clothing and food provided for slaves? Where did they live and sleep?

Clothing was provided to the slaves once a year, in the form of two coarse linen shirts, one pair of linen trousers, one jacket, one pair of trousers for winter, made of coarse negro cloth, one pair of stockings, and one pair of shoes. Food was provided for slaves in a monthly allowance, in the form of eight pounds of pork, or its equivalent in fish, and one bushel of corn meal. They lived in slaves' quarters and slept side by side on the floor.

What was the issue that caused Douglass and Master Hugh to argue? What happened, and what was the result?

Douglass and Master Hugh argued when Douglass did not return from a camp meeting in time to pay him. He refused to let Douglass hire himself out any more, and threatened to whip him. In retaliation, Douglass did no work the following week and they nearly came to blows when Master Hugh asked for his money.

Who did Douglass think was his father?

Douglass believed Captain Anthony, his first master, was his father. Everyone said his father was a white man, so this was a reasonable assumption.

Why did Douglass believe Mr. Covey never told anyone Douglass attacked him?

Douglass believed Mr. Covey never told anyone that Douglass attacked him because it would damage his reputation as a slave-breaker. He was a poor farmer, and that was how he earned his living. If anyone found out, he would be ruined.

Why did Douglass consider religion and slavery a bad mix?

Douglass considered religion and slavery a bad mix because supposedly righteous men and women would use religion as an excuse to treat their slaves badly, pretending to be good people at the same time. He considered them the most hypocritical of slave owners.

Why didn't Douglass reveal all of the details of his escape?

Douglass did not give all of the details of his escape because he did not want to get anyone into trouble who might have helped him.

Why didn't Douglass know his mother very well?

Douglass did not know his mother very well because he was separated from her as an infant, and she was sent to another farm. She only sneaked in to see him at night before he fell asleep, and she died when he was only seven.

Why didn't Douglass know how to behave around Mrs. Auld?

Douglass didn't know how to behave around Mrs. Auld because she was not used to having slaves, and the cringing and servility he had been taught to use seemed to frighten her.

Why didn't Douglass want to speak at anti-slavery meetings? Why did Douglass finally agree to speak, and what was the result?

Douglass didn't want to speak at anti-slavery meetings because although he had strong feelings, he did not think he could be as eloquent as the more educated speakers. Douglass finally agreed to speak when William C. Coffin encouraged him, and he found that it was actually very easy.

Douglass does not give any dates until Chapter 9. Why is this so?

Douglass does not give any dates until Chapter Nine because he was not old enough or educated enough. He was not told his birth date, and usually only knew the days of the week. By the time he was in St. Michael's he could read and write and was able to find out the date. He was also old enough to remember the date.

How did Douglass feel about the Underground Railroad? Cite the text that supports your response.

Douglass felt that the Underground Railroad was too public because it got too much publicity and was therefore not safe. Possible citations: "I can see very little good resulting from such a course, either to themselves or the slaves escaping...open declarations are a positive evil to the slaves remaining, who are seeking to escape." We owe something to the slave south of the line as well as to those north of it; and in aiding the latter on their way to freedom, we should be careful to do nothing which would be likely to hinder the former from escaping from slavery."

Douglass gives few details about his meeting and courtship with Anna. Why do you think he didn't describe her in more detail? What effect does this choice have on the reader? Justify your response with specific examples.

Douglass gives few details about his meeting and courtship with Anna other than to say she was free. One of the possible reasons he didn't describe her more is that he was trying to protect her from publicity. The effect is that we know almost nothing about her. There is actually very little information about Douglass's personal life other than his childhood.

What changes do you notice in Douglass during the events described at the beginning of Chapter 11? Quote the direct textual evidence that supports this.

Douglass is becoming more and more unhappy with the life of a slave. As he grows more independent, he starts to develop an escape plan. He is wily, working extra hard to give Master Hugh more money than usual so he won't suspect Douglass of escaping. "In the early part of the year 1838, I became quite restless. I could see no reason why I should, at the end of each week, pour the reward of my toil into the purse of my master."

Describe how Douglass learned to read and write during his seven years in Baltimore.

Douglass learned to read and write during the seven years in Baltimore by trading his bread to young white boys to teach him to read, and looking at the letters on the ships in the harbor. He tricked the boys into teaching him to write more letters, and he also acquired several children's schoolbooks.

What did Douglass resolve to do on his steamboat trip to St. Michael's, and why?

Douglass resolved to escape on his steamboat trip to St. Michael's, because he realized that he had done everything he needed to do in order to educate himself, and he was never going to get as good a chance to run away as in Baltimore.

Why did Douglass return to the plantation for a short time, and how did he feel about it?

Douglass returned to the plantation for a short time when both Richard and Captain Anthony died, and it was necessary to value the property to divide it up. Douglass felt newly degraded because for the first time he realized he was nothing more than a piece of property.

Why did Douglass suffer more anxiety than many of his fellow slaves?

Douglass suffered more anxiety than his fellow slaves when he returned to the plantation because he knew a better life, and he was no longer used to the extreme depravity of the plantation.

Explain the incident with Douglass and the oxen. Why do you think Douglass included this at the beginning of Chapter 10?

Douglass was asked to take the oxen to get a load of wood, but they were unbroken and he did not know how to handle them. He ended up breaking the wagon, losing the oxen, and almost being killed. When he returned, he was beaten for being late and not completing the task. Answers will vary. Douglass likely included this incident at the beginning of Chapter 10 to show readers that though he was incapable of the farm work he tried, he was also set up to fail. It also demonstrates how cruelly he was treated by Mr. Covey in an effort to break him.

How was Douglass treated on Colonel Lloyd's plantation?

Douglass was treated well on Colonel Lloyd's plantation when he was young, except that he did not have enough clothes or food. He was not beaten regularly or whipped and was his master's special pet.

Why did Douglass go to his master to ask for his protection? What was the result?

Douglass went to his master to ask for his protection because Covey tried to beat him when he was ill, and he was afraid Covey would kill him if he stayed. Douglass was given medicine and allowed to stay the night, but then sent back. Douglass had to go back because he would be whipped if he didn't, but he knew he would be whipped when he arrived. When Douglass got there, Covey tried to whip him and Douglass ran off into the cornfield, where Covey could not find him. When Covey gave up, Douglass went to stay with Sandy Jenkins.

Describe the incident involving Douglass's aunt that he witnessed. How did this incident affect him? Why do you think it affected him so strongly?

Douglass witnessed his aunt being brutally whipped. The incident affected him because it made him understand how terrible slavery was. It affected him so much because up until that point he had been sheltered, kept with the little kids away from the older slaves and their treatment.

Describe Douglass's escape plan. What were its strengths and weaknesses?

Douglass's escape plan was to paddle Mr. Cunningham's canoe up the Chesapeake Bay on the night before Easter, turn the canoe adrift in Baltimore, and follow the North Star to Maryland. The advantage was that they would be less likely to be suspected on the water, but the disadvantage was that they were not really sure where they were going.

Describe Douglass's expectations for his life with the Aulds. Do you think they were realistic? Why or why not?

Douglass's expectation of his life with the Aulds was that it would be better than his life on the plantation. Answers will vary. His expectations were realistic because things were generally better in the city, but there was no way for him to know that at the time, so in essence he was dreaming.

What was Douglass's first impression of Mrs. Auld?

Douglass's first impression of Mrs. Auld was that she was kind. He was not used to kind masters, and he was very impressed with how she treated him. He thought she had a good heart.

What was Douglass's impression of New Bedford? Why do you think he reacted this way, and what does it tell you about him?

Douglass's impression of New Bedford was disappointment in the city because he expected the people to be simple and hardworking since they had no slaves. He might have reacted this way because he had a romanticized picture of the North. This tells the reader that Douglass was not very worldly and was in some ways naïve and idealistic.

How did Douglass's life as a slave prepare him for being free? Where was his preparation lacking? Cite textual evidence to support your response.

Douglass's life as a slave prepared him for being free by giving him skills. He learned calking and trades related to shipbuilding. He was also briefly taught to read until his master found out it was forbidden, but she lit a flame in him to learn more. His preparation was most lacking in terms of geography, current events, and basic life skills. He had to learn these from abolitionists who helped him after he escaped.

Why do you think Douglass's master did not want Aunt Hester to visit Ned? Support your answer with evidence.

Douglass's master did not want Aunt Hester to visit Ned because the master wanted her for himself. Douglass makes a point that she was very good looking, so he must have been attracted to her.

Why did Douglass's master start giving him back a small amount of the money from his earnings?

Douglass's master started giving him back a small amount of the money from his earnings to make himself feel better about taking it from his slave without earning it.

What caused Douglass to begin to have regrets as he planned his escape?

Douglass's regrets as he planned his escape were caused by sadness for the loved ones he would leave behind.

What does Douglass's role as a teacher to other slaves tell you about his character?

Douglass's role as a teacher to other slaves tells us that he was not only brave, considerate, and intelligent but also patient and productive. He was able to keep the school going and was a good teacher to the slaves.

For the first time in his life, Douglass is earning money. How does this experience change him?

Earning money changed Douglass because he realized that his master was stealing from him every week, since his master had done nothing to earn the money. Douglass became more resolved than ever to escape, be his own man, and find a way to save enough money to do it.

Where did Douglass get the name Douglass?

Frederick got the name Douglass from Mr. Johnson, who was reading "Lady of the Lake" and suggested the name.

When in Baltimore, what differences did Douglass notice between how city slaves and country slaves were treated?

In Baltimore, Douglass realized that city slaves and country slaves were treated differently because the city slaves were usually treated better, since they and their masters were more visible. This was not always the case though, and some city slaves were brutally treated.

How did learning a trade change Douglass?

Learning a trade changed Douglass because he lived more like a free man. He made money for the first time, even though he did not have a chance to keep it, and he got a taste of being free.

Why did Master Hugh give Douglass permission to hire out his time? Why was Douglass surprised he did this?

Master Hugh gave Douglass permission to hire out his time because he would be paid $6 a week. Douglass was surprised he did this because his former master, Master Thomas, had not agreed to it because he feared Douglass would escape.

Douglass comments that masters having children with their slaves benefits them economically but will undermine the existence of slavery in the long run. What does he mean?

Masters having children with their slaves benefits them economically but will undermine the existence of slavery in the long run because one of the justifications of slavery is that God cursed Ham. Without a biblical justification, people would begin to question the morality of slavery. The result of lighter and lighter skinned slaves would be that it would be harder to tell them apart from whites and justify treating them differently.

Compare and contrast Mr. Freeland and Mr. Covey in a Venn Diagram.

Mr. Freeland was an educated Southern gentleman who did not know much about slaveholding and Mr. Covey was a well-trained slave-breaker. Freeland was "open and frank" while Covey was "a most artful deceiver." While Freeland was the best master Douglass had, Covey was arguably the worst.

Explain, using details from the text, how Mr. Gore treated the slaves.

Mr. Gore was violent and ruthless. He was the overseer for Colonel Lloyd after Hopkins. He expected slaves to obey without question, and he is infamous for shooting Demby.

Why didn't Mr. Ruggles think Douglass should go to Canada? Where did he suggest he go instead?

Mr. Ruggles did not think Douglass should go to Canada because he was not sure he could get work there. He suggested he go instead to New Bedford.

Why didn't slaves usually tell the truth about their masters?

Slaves did not usually tell the truth about their masters because the person they were talking to might be a spy, and they could be punished for saying bad things about their masters.

In your opinion, did Mr. Covey succeed in breaking Douglass? Support your position with evidence.

Students could argue that Mr. Covey succeed in breaking Douglass because he began to be more compliant, but they could also suggest that he was fed up and began to refuse to follow orders so ultimately Covey was so unsuccessful that Douglass had to be taken away.

Do you agree or disagree with Douglass's decision to teach other slaves to read? Defend your response in 2-3 sentences.

Students might say that Douglass's decision to teach other slaves to read was brave because he could get into a lot of trouble, but they might also argue that he should not have done it because he was risking his pupils getting into trouble as well.

What was the "invaluable instruction" Douglass received from Mr. Auld?

The "invaluable instruction" Douglass received from Mr. Auld was to value education above all else. Because of Mr. Auld's words, he desired to teach himself secretly how to read and write, seeing it as the key to his future escape and freedom.

How did the experience in town change Douglass?

The experience in town changed Douglass because he began to realize that more things were possible for him. Going to town provided him with new opportunities and a more optimistic outlook on life.

Describe the family of Douglass's master and how they made their living.

The family of Douglass's master includes two sons, Andrew and Richard; one daughter, Lucretia, and her husband, Captain Thomas Auld. They made their living running a huge plantation growing tobacco, corn, and wheat.

How were the holidays a part of the "fraud of slavery"?

The holidays were part of the "fraud of slavery" because the slaves were allowed to spend them however they wanted, and they were encouraged to get drunk and engage in other less than healthy activities. It made the slave owners feel like they were good people, when in actuality it did not make up for the violence they perpetrated the rest of the year.

What was the one reason Douglass was glad to go to Mr. Covey?

The one reason Douglass was glad to go to Mr. Covey was that he thought he would finally have enough to eat.

How were the slave children of white men treated?

The slave children of white men were often treated worse than other slaves, because their masters could not be seen showing favoritism to them. The wives of their masters often abused them because they were an insult and constant reminder of the adultery their husbands committed.

Explain how the slave owners' refusal to let their slaves have a Sabbath School was hypocritical.

The slave owners' refusal to let their slaves have a Sabbath School was hypocritical because they claimed to be religious and good people but refused to allow their slaves to learn to read so that they could properly follow their religion.

What two things did Colonel Lloyd value most, and how were the slaves that tended to those things treated?

The two things Colonel Lloyd valued most were his garden and his horses, and the slaves who tended to them were not treated well. They were held to incredibly high expectations and punished for no reason.

Describe the books Douglass read during this time and their impressions on him. Why do you think they affected him this way?

Two of the books Douglass read that had the biggest effect on him were The Columbian Orator and Webster's Spelling Book. The Columbian Orator affected him because it discussed slavery and abolitionism, and he learned how to write and spell with Webster's.

What happened when Colonel Lloyd's slaves were fishing for oysters? What can the reader infer from this incident?

When Colonel Lloyd's slaves were fishing for oysters, one of them strayed into a neighbor's land and was shot. The fact that a slave could be brutally murdered tells us that they were not valued and people could kill them and not be punished.

When Douglass returned to Colonel Lloyd's plantation, how was he treated? Why?

When Douglass returned to Colonel Lloyd's plantation, he was not treated well. He was often treated harshly by his supposedly pious master and not given enough to eat.

According to Douglass, what did Northerners assume was the reason the slaves were singing? How did Douglass explain the slaves' singing?

When Douglass went north, people thought slaves were singing because they were happy. He knew they sang when they were saddest. He was annoyed that people kept these misconceptions because it undermined the horrors of slavery.

What happened when Mrs. Auld began to teach Douglass how to read?

When Mrs. Auld began to teach Douglass how to read, her husband found out and told her that teaching slaves to read was illegal and also dangerous, because educated slaves would want to escape.

What happened when an overseer or another white man killed a slave? Why did this happen?

When an overseer or another white man killed a slave, he was not punished. Slaves were not considered people, and the word of a slave was considered no good. Slaves were usually the only witnesses.

Why do you think whipping slaves was so common?

Whipping slaves was so common because slave owners did not consider them human. They were treated like livestock. Human beings have strong will, so it takes a strong punishment to keep them in line.