Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Quotes

Questions and Answers

What does Douglass emphasize about the effect of slavery in Chapter 9?

It fosters community support.

It leads to begging and stealing. (correct)

It makes individuals stronger.

It ensures financial stability.

In Chapter 9, how do people justify their slaveholding actions?

Due to political pressures.

As a means of education.

Through economic necessity.

By citing religious passages. (correct)

What does the phrase 'he brought her, as he said, for a breeder' highlight about Covey's cruelty?

It indicates he bought a female slave just to produce children for profit, treating her like an animal.

In Chapter 10, Douglass states that his fight with Covey marks a turning point in the narrative.

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What importance does reputation have for Covey according to Douglass?

Reputation is crucial for Covey as it directly impacts his work. Signup and view all the answers

What does Douglass suggest about holidays and the slaveholder's intentions?

Holidays were used to distract slaves from attempting to escape. Signup and view all the answers

What does Douglass mean by '..made so by the lash of this merciless, religious wretch'?

It refers to the physical suffering of slaves. Signup and view all the answers

How is slavery personified in Douglass's description?

Slavery is described as having robes crimsoned with blood, emphasizing its cruel nature. Signup and view all the answers

Douglass notes that any display of humanity towards a colored person was considered abolitionism.

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What does Douglass imply about keeping slaves ignorant?

A thoughtless slave is less likely to become restless and try to escape. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 9 Highlights

Slavery dehumanizes individuals, leading them to beg and steal for survival.
Slaveholders often justified their inhumane actions with religious doctrine, reflecting deep moral contradictions.

Chapter 10 Highlights

Covey's cruelty is exemplified by his purchase of a female slave solely for the purpose of breeding, treating her as property rather than a human being.
Douglass' confrontation with Covey signifies a pivotal moment in his life, illustrating the transformation from slave to empowered individual.
Reputation is crucial for Covey, influencing his decisions to avoid punishment even when he is aware of his cruelties.
Slaveholders offer holidays to create a facade of freedom while preventing actual rebellion, manipulating the desires of enslaved individuals.
Douglass critiques the hypocrisy of slaveholders, who profess religious beliefs while inflicting terrible violence.
Slavery is characterized as a monstrous entity, depicted with vivid imagery of blood and brutality.
The societal fear of being labeled an abolitionist stifles compassion, discouraging any support for the oppressed.
Ignorance among slaves is cultivated deliberately by slaveholders to maintain control and suppress potential uprisings.

Description

This quiz covers significant quotes from Chapters 9 and 10 of Frederick Douglass's Narrative. Explore the harsh realities of slavery and the justifications surrounding it through key excerpts. Test your understanding of the text's themes and meanings.