Question

read this excerpt from narrative of the life of frederick douglass.

i was probably between seven and eight years old when i left colonel lloyds plantation. i left it with joy. i shall never forget the ecstasy with which i received the intelligence that my old master (anthony) had determined to let me go to baltimore, to live with mr. hugh auld, brother to my old masters son-in-law, captain thomas auld. i received this information about three days before my departure. they were three of the happiest days i ever enjoyed. i spent the most part of all these three days in the creek, washing off the plantation scurf, and preparing myself for my departure.

which detail from the passage is evidence that douglass experiences optimism despite his circumstances?

• i was probably between seven and eight years old when i left colonel lloyds plantation.
• i shall never forget the ecstasy with which i received the intelligence that my old master (anthony) had determined to let me go to baltimore...
• i received this information about three days before my departure.
• i spent the most part of all these three days in the creek, washing off the plantation scurf, and preparing myself for my departure.

Explanation:

Analyze the question and target concept

The question asks which detail from the passage provides evidence that Douglass experiences optimism despite his circumstances. "Optimism" refers to hopefulness, confidence about the future, or intense positive emotion regarding an upcoming change.

Evaluate the options against the target concept

• Option 1: "I was probably between seven and eight years old when I left Colonel Lloyd's plantation." This is a neutral statement of age and fact, showing no specific emotion or optimism.
• Option 2: "I shall never forget the ecstasy with which I received the intelligence that my old master (Anthony) had determined to let me go to Baltimore..." The word "ecstasy" represents overwhelming excitement and joy, which directly supports his positive, hopeful outlook (optimism) about leaving the plantation for Baltimore.
• Option 3: "I received this information about three days before my departure." This is a neutral factual statement about timing.
• Option 4: "I spent the most part of all these three days in the creek, washing off the plantation scurf, and preparing myself for my departure." This describes physical preparation, not directly his internal state of optimism.

Select the correct option

Option 2 is the only choice that directly expresses a strong positive emotional response ("ecstasy") to his changing circumstances, serving as clear evidence of his optimism.

Answer:

• (A) I was probably between seven and eight years old when I left Colonel Lloyd's plantation.
• (B) I shall never forget the ecstasy with which I received the intelligence that my old master (Anthony) had determined to let me go to Baltimore... (Correct answer)
• (C) I received this information about three days before my departure.
• (D) I spent the most part of all these three days in the creek, washing off the plantation scurf, and preparing myself for my departure.