Frederick Douglass
Chapters 1-9
Purpose: The purpose of this quiz is to assess your understanding of ideas
expressed in the text of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Doglass, an American
Slave. This test will assess your:
 Knowledge of characters and events of the text
 Knowledge of vocabulary used in the text
 Knowledge of themes in the text
You may use your annotated text. You may not use any other notes or study
aids. Sticky notes added to your text are ok.
Section 1 – Multiple Choice
Choose the best answer to each of these questions. Circle the letter next to the
answer you selected. Each Question is worth 1 point
1.Why does Douglass believe that city slaveholders are usually less cruel than rural
slaveholders?
(A) They have no fields in which to work their slaves
(B) They are conscious of the disapproval of their non-slaveholding neighbors
(C) They always feed their slaves enough
(D) They are more aware that their slaves can escape
2.Which of the following is not a reason Douglass is happy about the prospect of
moving to Baltimore?
(A) The Aulds are described as a kind couple
(B) His cousin has described Baltimore as beautiful
(C) He has no attachments at home
(D) He is given a pair of trousers for the move
3. Why is Douglass grateful that Hugh Auld orders Douglass’s reading lessons
stopped?
(A) Douglass does not like his reading lessons
(B) Auld unwittingly gives Douglass the key to escape slavery
(C) Auld betrays his fear that Douglass might escape
(D) Douglass already knows how to read
4.What is the reason for Sophia Auld’s transformation?
(A) She becomes lazy when Douglass is around to do her work for her
(B) She becomes cruel with the irresponsible power of owning another person
(C) She begins drinking
(D) She senses that Douglass is becoming smarter than her son, Thomas.
5.From what source does Douglass learn the meaning of “abolition”?
(A) A newspaper
(B) A dictionary
(C) Sophia Auld
(D) Two Irish dockworkers
6. Which of the following is not one of Douglass’s sources for learning how to read
and write?
(A) Neighborhood boys
(B) Thomas Auld’s copybook
(C) Webster’s Spelling Book
(D) Two Irish dockworkers
7.What does Douglass gain from The Columbian Orator?
(A) A plan for escape
(B) The meaning of “chattel”
(C) An understanding of the political argument against slavery
(D) A sense of community
8.While on the plantation, the major source of food for slaves was:
(A) ham and eggs
(B) Pasta
(C) Mush
(D) Cheese Polenta
9. Why does Douglass move from Baltimore to Thomas Auld’s?
(A) Because Douglass tries to escape
(B) Because Auld wants to punish his brother, Hugh
(C) Because Douglass’s time of service is up
(D) Because Douglass’s original owner has died
10. What is Thomas Auld’s main offense as a slaveholder?
(A) Killing slaves
(B) Fathering slave children
(C) Not giving his slaves enough to eat
(D) Overworking his slaves
Section 1: Score ____/10
Section 2
Characters and Connections - Each question is worth 1.5 points.
Choose 5 of the characters below and explain:
 Who are they?
 Why are they important to the story of Frederick Douglass
 How do they connect to one of the major themes of Frederick
Douglass discussed in class?
Aunt Hester
Mr. Covey
Colonel Lloyd
Henny
Little Thomas Auld
Mr. Plummer
Character:
Importance:
Theme
Connection:
Character:
Importance:
Theme
Connection:
Character:
Importance:
Theme
Connection:
Master Andrew
Captain Anthony
Frederick Douglass
Hugh Auld
Sophia Auld
Poor White Boys
Grandma (pg 35)
Mr. Gore
Harriet Bailey
Irishmen
Master Thomas Auld
Mr. Severe
Character:
Importance:
Theme
Connection:
Character:
Importance:
Theme
Connection:
Section 2 Score: _____/ 7.5
Section 3 – Vocabulary
For each of the following words you must: (Each question is worth 1 point)
 Show your understanding of the word by using it in a sentence
 Write a synonym for the word
1. Servility
Sentence:
Synonym: _____________________________________
2. Abolition
Sentence:
Synonym: _____________________________________
3. Righteous
Sentence:
Synonym: _____________________________________
4. Mourn
Sentence:
Synonym: _____________________________________
5. Contrary
Sentence:
Synonym: _____________________________________
6. servile
Sentence:
Synonym: _____________________________________
7. uttering
Sentence:
Synonym: _____________________________________
8. impose
Sentence:
Synonym: _____________________________________
9. invaluable
Sentence:
Synonym: _____________________________________
10. sloop
Sentence:
Synonym: _____________________________________
Section 3 score ____/ 10
Section 4: Claim Paragraph Answers:
Choose one of the questions and answer it with a claim paragraph. Your paragraph
must:
 Make a clear claim
 Introduce multiple (more than 1) pieces of direct text evidence (including
page and chapter numbers)
 Include commentary explaining the evidence
 Connect to one of the major themes of the story that we have discussed in
class
 End with a concluding sentence.
This essay will be worth 10 points.
1. Frederick Douglass includes many violent images and stories in his
narrative. Explain why you think Douglass includes so many violent
images and what point he hopes to make by including this disturbing
content.
2. Explain how Sophia Auld changes and why you think this change
takes place.
I am answering essay question #__________
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Section 3 Score: ____/15