Life of Frederick Douglass Chapter 7 Review

Questions and Answers

What did Douglass learn during his seven years with Hugh and Sophia Auld?

To cook

To farm

To build

To read and write (correct)

How did Sophia Auld's attitude change over time?

She went from a 'tender-hearted woman' to a woman whose 'heart became stone.'

What happened when Sophia Auld saw Douglass reading?

She rushed at him 'with a face made all up of fury.'

What did Douglass say about slavery's impact on Sophia Auld?

He said it was as injurious to her as it was to him. Signup and view all the answers

What did Douglass do despite Sophia Auld's attitude?

He persevered. Signup and view all the answers

How did Douglass educate himself?

By making friends with as many little white boys as he could. Signup and view all the answers

What did Douglass trade with poor white children?

Bread. Signup and view all the answers

What did Douglass trade his bread for?

The bread of knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Annapolis children pity Douglass?

Because he was doomed to slavery for life. Signup and view all the answers

What feelings did Douglass have towards the Annapolis children?

He felt tremendous gratitude and affection. Signup and view all the answers

What book did Douglass regularly read?

The Columbian Orator. Signup and view all the answers

What inspired Douglass after reading about an argument on slavery?

He was inspired to clarify his thoughts and arguments about slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What did Douglass feel when thinking about his life as a slave?

He felt suicidal. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Douglass fear learning to read?

Because he felt it displayed how bad his condition was without a solution. Signup and view all the answers

What did Douglass envy about illiterate slaves?

Not being able to comprehend the helplessness of their situation. Signup and view all the answers

What did Douglass learn about in Annapolis?

Abolitionists. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Douglass speak with at the shipyard?

Two Irish sailors. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Irish sailors encourage Douglass to do?

To run away. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Douglass reluctant to trust the Irish sailors?

He was unsure about their intentions. Signup and view all the answers

What idea stayed with Douglass?

Escape. Signup and view all the answers

What did Douglass observe about carpenters at the shipyard?

They were writing single letters on cargo. Signup and view all the answers

What did Douglass figure out by seeing the carpenters writing?

How to write. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Life of Frederick Douglass - Chapter 7 Study Notes

Douglass spent seven years with Hugh and Sophia Auld, during which he learned to read and write despite the restrictions of slavery.
Sophia Auld transformed from a compassionate individual to someone rigid and harsh, indicating the dehumanizing effects of slavery on both enslaved people and slaveholders.
Upon discovering Douglass reading, Sophia Auld reacted with intense fury, highlighting the threat literacy posed to the institution of slavery.
Douglass argued that slavery had detrimental effects on Sophia Auld, diminishing her kindness and humanity, similar to its impact on him.
Despite Sophia Auld's opposition, Douglass showed remarkable perseverance in his quest for education.
He cultivated friendships with white boys in the neighborhood to further his learning, using social connections as a means of education.
Douglass often traded bread from the Auld household with poor white children, exchanging physical sustenance for knowledge.
The exchange of bread for knowledge symbolized his resourcefulness and determination to learn despite dire circumstances.
Children in Annapolis expressed pity for Douglass, realizing he faced a life of enslavement, highlighting societal awareness of his plight.
Douglass felt deep gratitude and affection for the Annapolis children who, despite their lack of understanding, showed him kindness.
He frequently read "The Columbian Orator," a book that played a significant role in shaping his thoughts on slavery and rhetoric.
Reading an argument on slavery in "The Columbian Orator" inspired Douglass to articulate his own thoughts and views more clearly.
Contemplating a lifetime of slavery caused Douglass to experience suicidal thoughts, reflecting the deep despair induced by his situation.
He viewed literacy as a double-edged sword; while it was empowering, it also highlighted his hopeless condition without a clear way to escape.
Douglass envied the illiterate slaves who, lacking comprehension of their dire circumstances, might find solace in ignorance.
In Annapolis, Douglass was introduced to the concept of abolitionism, expanding his understanding of the fight against slavery.
He engaged in conversation with two Irish sailors at a shipyard, sharing his status as a slave and contemplating their advice to escape.
Despite their encouragement to flee, Douglass felt hesitant to trust the Irish sailors, reflecting a common fear of betrayal among enslaved people.
The prospect of escape remained a persistent hope for Douglass, serving as a driving motivation in his life.
His continued visits to the shipyard allowed him to observe carpenters writing letters, which contributed to his learning process.
This observation ultimately led Douglass to figure out how to write, further empowering him in his journey toward freedom.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 7 of the Life of Frederick Douglass with this flashcard quiz. Each card highlights key moments and themes that illustrate Douglass's experiences with his masters and the impact of slavery on both him and those around him.