Frederick Douglass Chapter 7

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?

Seeing him with a newspaper in his hands. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Douglass make into teachers?

The little white boys he met in the street. Signup and view all the answers

When sent on errands, what two items did Douglass usually take with him and why?

A book and bread. He could learn a lesson before his return. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered 'almost an unpardonable offense' to teach slaves in this Christian country?

To teach slaves. Signup and view all the answers

What did Douglass gain from Thomas Sheridan's speech?

Understanding the power of truth over the conscience of even a slaveholder. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the 'silver trumpet of freedom' according to Douglass?

It awakened his soul and intensified his sense of torment about his wretched condition. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Douglass find 'The Columbian Orator' interesting?

It featured a dialogue between a master and a slave, leading to the slave's emancipation. Signup and view all the answers

What kept Douglass from killing himself or doing something for which he should have been killed?

The hope to be free. Signup and view all the answers

What did Douglass understand about the terms 'abolition' and 'abolitionists'?

He didn't know the exact meaning, but he had a gist of the idea and felt it held importance. Signup and view all the answers

What advice did two Irishmen give Douglass?

They advised him to journey to the North to find friends and freedom. Signup and view all the answers

By what two methods did Douglass learn to write?

By writing letters on timber in a shipyard and using Master Thomas's copybook. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'chattel' refer to?

Slave, bondsman. Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'ell'?

A former English unit of length chiefly for cloth equal to 45 inches. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'unabated' mean?

Full strength or force. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'apt' mean?

Keenly intelligent; quick-witted. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'scow'?

A large-bottomed boat with broad square ends, used primarily for transporting sand, gravel, or refuse. Signup and view all the answers

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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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.