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Questions and Answers
Why is Frederick not sure when he was born?
He wasn't allowed to be told & he wasn't allowed to ask questions.
Why would slaveholders want to keep an enslaved person ignorant of something as simple as their birth date?
A master deemed all such inquiries on the part of a slave improper and impertinent, and evidence of a restless spirit.
Why does Frederick make the point that a slaveholder who has fathered a child is likely to be tougher on that child?
A slaveholder's wife would be angry at him for treating those children better than his legitimate children.
What is Frederick's relationship with his mother like? Is it typical of other enslaved children?
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What is the role of the overseer on the plantation?
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What is the relationship of the slaveholder to the overseer to the slave on the plantation?
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Why does Frederick tell the story of Lloyd's Ned?
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What is the relationship of Colonel Lloyd to Frederick's master?
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Was there a 'pecking order' among slaves?
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Why would a slave whose life on a plantation was very bad fear being sold to a slave trader?
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Why is it difficult to find copies of slave songs?
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Why does Frederick suggest that enslaved people sing out of sorrow rather than out of joy?
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Why is it particularly difficult to be in charge of Colonel Lloyd's horses?
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What is ironic about Colonel Lloyd's treatment of his horses compared to the treatment of his slaves?
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What happened to the slave who told Colonel Lloyd the truth about his master?
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How did people use enslaved people's comments about the masters, and why might those comments be unreliable?
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What reason does Mr. Gore give for killing Demby?
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What other examples does Frederick give of his statement 'that killing a slave, or any colored person,...is not treated as a crime'?
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What was life like for Frederick on the plantation? Why was he so happy to be leaving the plantation?
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Why did he particularly want to go to Baltimore?
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What were Frederick's initial impressions of his new mistress, Mrs. Sophia Auld?
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To what does Frederick attribute Mrs. Auld's kindness? What does he think changes her?
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Why is Mr. Auld angry when he finds that his wife is teaching Frederick to read?
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Why does Frederick call Mr. Auld's forbidding his learning how to read 'invaluable instruction'?
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Why does the inability to read keep men enslaved according to Frederick and Mr. Auld?
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Study Notes
Birth and Identity
- Frederick Douglass is unsure of his birth date; enslaved children were not informed or allowed to inquire about it.
- Slaveholders maintained this ignorance to prevent enslaved individuals from developing a sense of identity and self-worth.
Parental Relationships
- Douglass never knew his mother and felt no emotional attachment after her death, reflecting the common experience of enslaved children who were often separated from their mothers.
Plantation Hierarchy
- The overseer on a plantation was responsible for supervising enslaved individuals and enforcing obedience through punishment.
- A hierarchy existed among slaves, with house slaves enjoying better conditions and status compared to field slaves.
Cruelty and Punishments
- The story of Lloyd's Ned illustrates the brutal punishments inflicted upon enslaved individuals to highlight their suffering.
- The harsh treatment of enslaved people contrasted sharply with the more humane treatment of animals, particularly horses, on the same plantations.
Enslaved Music and Emotion
- Enslaved songs often expressed sorrow rather than joy, serving as an outlet for the deep pain and suffering experienced by enslaved individuals.
- The transient nature of these songs means they were rarely documented, preserving their unique and personal nature.
Violence and Ownership
- Slaveholders could act with impunity, as the killing of an enslaved person was often not considered a crime within the community or legal system.
- Instances of murder, such as the killing of Demby and Lanman's acts of violence, illustrate the devaluation of enslaved lives.
Life on the Plantation
- Frederick experienced a mix of physical hardship with infrequent whipping but persistent hunger and cold.
- His departure to Baltimore brought immediate relief, symbolized by basic comforts like a bath and new clothing.
Influence of Educators
- Mrs. Sophia Auld initially displays kindness towards Douglass, but her demeanor changes under her husband's influence, who forbids her from teaching him to read.
- Mr. Auld's prohibition is viewed by Douglass as a critical lesson in the importance of education, establishing that literacy is vital for liberation from slavery.
Impact of Literacy
- Douglass argues that the ability to read is a key factor in gaining freedom, as ignorance is a tool used by slaveholders to maintain control over enslaved people.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key themes and facts from 'A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass'. This quiz covers significant questions surrounding Douglass's experiences and the impact of slavery on personal identity. Engage with thought-provoking inquiries that explore the complexities of his life and the institution of slavery.
