Questions and Answers
How long did Douglass live in Master Hugh's family?
seven years
How did Douglass learn to read and write?
He learned the alphabet from Mrs. Hugh, tried to get books, and made little white boys his teachers.
What heavenly qualities did slavery seem to divest Douglass's mistress of?
Tenderheartedness and a gentle disposition.
What made Douglass's mistress angrier than anything else?
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Who did Douglass make into teachers?
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When sent on errands, what two items did Douglass usually take with him and why?
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What is considered 'almost an unpardonable offense' to teach slaves in this Christian country?
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What did Douglass gain from Thomas Sheridan's speech?
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What is the meaning of the 'silver trumpet of freedom' according to Douglass?
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Why did Douglass find 'The Columbian Orator' interesting?
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What kept Douglass from killing himself or doing something for which he should have been killed?
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What did Douglass understand about the terms 'abolition' and 'abolitionists'?
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What advice did two Irishmen give Douglass?
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By what two methods did Douglass learn to write?
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What does 'chattel' refer to?
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What is an 'ell'?
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What does 'unabated' mean?
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What does 'apt' mean?
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What is a 'scow'?
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Study Notes
Douglass's Early Life and Education
- Frederick Douglass lived in Master Hugh's family for seven years.
- He began learning to read and write with the alphabet taught by Mrs. Hugh, expanding his education through books and interactions with white boys in the street.
Transformation of Douglass's Mistress
- Slavery transformed Douglass's mistress from tender-hearted to aggressive, showing a fierceness aimed at pleasing her husband.
- The presence of a newspaper in Douglass's hands was a point of significant anger for her.
Making Teachers of Peers
- Douglass learned from little white boys he encountered, using them as informal teachers in his quest for literacy.
Strategies for Learning
- When sent on errands, Douglass carried a book and bread, allowing him to read quickly before returning and sharing food with hungry children in his community.
Attitudes Toward Teaching Slaves
- Teaching slaves was deemed an "unpardonable offense" in a so-called Christian society, highlighting the moral contradictions of slavery.
Impact of Literature
- Douglass was inspired by Thomas Sheridan's speech, which resonated with his thoughts on truth and the moral ramifications of slavery.
- He found "The Columbian Orator" compelling due to its dialogue demonstrating the potential impact of eloquence on a slaveholder, leading to a slave's emancipation.
Hope and Despair
- Douglass's hope for freedom prevented him from succumbing to despair or suicidal thoughts.
Abolitionist Ideas
- Though initially unfamiliar with the terms "abolition" and "abolitionist," Douglass recognized their significance and felt a connection to the discussions surrounding these ideas.
Advice from Irishmen
- Two Irishmen advised Douglass to escape to the North for potential liberty and support.
Learning to Write
- Douglass learned to write through experiences in a shipyard, practicing on timber and competing with neighborhood boys. He also imitated writing in Master Thomas's copybook until he mastered it.
Vocabulary Acquisition
- Chattel refers to a type of slave or bondsman.
- An "ell" is a historical measurement unit equivalent to 45 inches, primarily for cloth.
- "Unabated" signifies full strength or force.
- "Apt" describes someone who is quick-witted or intelligent.
- A "scow" is a type of large boat with a flat bottom used for transporting materials like sand or gravel.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 7 of Frederick Douglass's narrative with these flashcards. This quiz covers key concepts and details about Douglass's life, including his experiences and education while living with the Hughes family. Dive into the historical significance of his journey to literacy and freedom.