Frederick Douglass Chapter 11 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are two reasons why Frederick cannot relate his name of escape?

He doesn't want to embarrass others and induce greater vigilance among slaveholders.

What is his opinion of the underground railway?

He hates it because it makes owners be more watchful.

What does Frederick ask of Master Thomas and what is he told?

He asks if he can hire people to work under him and Master Thomas says no, it's just another strategy of escape.

Why does Frederick agree to an arrangement with Master Hugh that benefits the Master?

He asks to hire people to work for him as a way to escape. Signup and view all the answers

How is the agreement between Frederick and Master Hugh dissolved?

Frederick must pay Master $3 at the end of the week and buy his own equipment because he didn't pay Master on Saturday. Signup and view all the answers

When and to where does Frederick run away, and what is his attitude about it now?

He runs away on September 3, 1838, to New York, feeling high excitement but lonely. Signup and view all the answers

How was it possible for Frederick and Anna to marry, and why is their marriage such an important event?

She was a free slave and had a reverend. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Frederick stay in New York?

It was not safe. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Frederick change his name so much, and who chooses Douglass?

New owners and Johnson was too common; Mr. Nathan Johnson changed Frederick to Douglass after reading a book. Signup and view all the answers

What had Douglass believed about life in the North and was he correct?

He thought it would be clean, new, beautiful, cheerful, and wealthy, but he was wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What does Douglass discover about prejudice against color in New Bedford?

Blacks vs. fugitive slaves, blacks will accuse fugitive slaves and kill them or return them to their masters; white calkers wouldn't work with black calkers. Signup and view all the answers

What work does Douglass find?

Stowing a sloop with loads of oil. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Douglass at first reluctant to speak out against slavery?

Because others said things so much better than he did and the idea of speaking to whites weighed him down. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Frederick Douglass Overview

Frederick Douglass refrains from sharing his escape narrative to avoid causing embarrassment to others and to prevent heightened vigilance from slaveholders.
He holds a negative view of the Underground Railroad, believing it makes slave owners more alert and watchful.

Interactions with Masters

Douglass inquires about hiring workers from Master Thomas, who denies this request, perceiving it as a potential escape tactic.
He agrees to an arrangement with Master Hugh that ultimately benefits the Master, allowing him to hire individuals as a form of escape.

Agreement and Consequences

The arrangement with Master Hugh dissolves when Douglass fails to pay the required $3 at the week's end and does not acquire his own equipment, leading to penalties.

Escape to Freedom

Douglass escapes on September 3, 1838, arriving in New York; initial excitement is overshadowed by feelings of loneliness.

Marriage and Importance

Douglass marries Anna, a free woman, which is significant due to her status and the participation of a reverend, marking an important milestone in his life.

Safety Concerns

Douglass does not remain in New York long due to safety concerns and the threat of being recaptured.

Name Changes

He frequently changes his name due to new owners and the commonality of the surname Johnson; Mr. Nathan Johnson ultimately names him Douglass, inspired by literature he recently read.

Perceptions of the North

Douglass enters the North with the belief that it would be a place of cleanliness and prosperity, but discovers the harsh realities that contradicted his expectations.

Prejudice Experienced

In New Bedford, Douglass observes discrimination between free Blacks and fugitive slaves, with the former sometimes betraying the latter; white co-workers refuse to collaborate with Black laborers.

Employment Experiences

His first job involves stowing oil on a sloop, a task that starts his working life in the North.

Reluctance to Speak

Initially, Douglass hesitates to voice his opposition to slavery as he feels inadequately matched against those who articulate the cause better and is burdened by the prospect of addressing a white audience.

Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 11 of Frederick Douglass's narrative through flashcards. This quiz examines Douglass's views on slavery, escape, and the underground railway. Test your understanding of the critical themes and events in this pivotal chapter.