The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Ch. 11

Questions and Answers

Why does Douglass not approve of the Underground Railroad?

Because it is too well known

When and to where does Douglass run away?

3rd day of Sept. 1838, he escaped to New York.

What conditions does Douglass find for colored people in the North?

Some colored people were more wealthy than others.

Why does Douglass feel so lonely?

There's no one to trust and no one to help him. Signup and view all the answers

What motto does Douglass remember?

Trust no man Signup and view all the answers

What does Master Thomas do to encourage Douglass to keep earning money?

He gives him a cent on every dollar. Signup and view all the answers

What does Douglass ask of Master Thomas?

He wants to be hired out himself and earn his own money. Signup and view all the answers

What arrangement does Frederick make with Master Hugh?

Hugh was a slave master, but didn't need to be evil. Signup and view all the answers

What does Master Hugh do when he discovers that Frederick has left town?

He gets afraid and wants all of the tools. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Frederick decide to work hard despite the breakdown of the agreement with Master Hugh?

To remove the idea that Douglass was planning to run away. Signup and view all the answers

Who helps Douglass in New York?

Mr. David Ruggle (black journalist and abolitionist). Signup and view all the answers

Why is Frederick and Anna's marriage so important?

It marked him as a free man. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ruggle suggest that Frederick go to New Bedford, Massachusetts?

It is unsafe for Douglass to stay in New York. Signup and view all the answers

Who helped Frederick and Anna in New Bedford?

Mr. Johnson helped them find a job. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Douglass change his name so many times?

He wanted to shorten his name and didn't want the name Johnson. Signup and view all the answers

How does Douglass become known to the anti-slavery world?

He was at an anti-slavery convention in Nantucket in 1841. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Douglass reluctant to speak out against slavery at first?

The idea of speaking to whites was slightly intimidating. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Douglass get his ideas about human rights and emancipation?

From the Irish Catholics. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Douglass and the Underground Railroad

Douglass disapproves of the Underground Railroad because its notoriety may jeopardize escape efforts.

Escape from Slavery

Douglass escaped on September 3, 1838, and made his way to New York City.

Northern Conditions for Colored People

Douglass observed varying wealth among free Black individuals in the North and believed the region would struggle economically without slave labor.

Feelings of Loneliness

Douglass felt isolated due to a lack of trust and support in his new environment. Although he encountered family members, he could not confide in them to avoid potential repercussions.

Personal Motto

The motto “Trust no man” shaped Douglass’s outlook on his precarious situation.

Master Thomas's Exploitation

Master Thomas incentivized Douglass to make money by offering a payment scheme that diminished Douglass's contributions and kept him in financial servitude.

Douglass's Request to Master Thomas

Douglass sought autonomy by asking to be hired independently, wanting to avoid financial dependency on Master Thomas while pledging not to plan an escape.

Agreement with Master Hugh

Douglass negotiated a working arrangement with Master Hugh, who was not excessively cruel. For Douglass, this arrangement was preferable to outright slavery.

Master Hugh's Reaction

When Master Hugh learned of Douglass's absence, he expressed concern for potential loss of tools, fearing Douglass might abscond in the future.

Work Ethic

Despite a breakdown in his agreement with Master Hugh, Douglass committed to working diligently to dispel any notions of intending to flee.

Support in New York

Douglass received assistance from Mr. David Ruggles, an abolitionist who helped him and his fiancée Anna with financial support and accommodation.

Significance of Marriage

The marriage between Douglass and Anna symbolized his status as a free man, further solidifying his identity.

Relocation to New Bedford

Ruggles advised Douglass to move to New Bedford, Massachusetts, indicating it was a safer option with better job prospects.

Assistance in New Bedford

Mr. Johnson provided support to Douglass and Anna in finding employment upon their arrival in New Bedford.

Changing His Name

Douglass changed his name multiple times for simplicity and distinctiveness, ultimately adopting “Douglass” at the suggestion of Nathan Johnson, inspired by literature.

Emergence into Anti-Slavery Activism

Douglass became recognized in the anti-slavery movement following his participation in a convention in Nantucket in 1841.

Reluctance to Speak

Initially hesitating to publicly denounce slavery, Douglass felt intimidated by the prospect of addressing white audiences.

Sources of Inspiration

Douglass derived his perspectives on human rights and emancipation from the Irish Catholic community.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 11 of Frederick Douglass's autobiography. Explore influential moments of Douglass's escape and his observations on the conditions of colored people in the North. Test your knowledge with flashcards that highlight Douglass's journey and views.