Question

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

if the lineal descendants of ham are alone to be scripturally enslaved, it is certain that slavery at the south must soon become unscriptural; for thousands are ushered into the world, annually, who, like myself, owe their existence to white fathers, and those fathers most frequently their own masters.

what is one effect of douglasss allusion to the biblical story of the sons of ham in his memoir?

it establishes douglass as a well - read, educated man whose critical view of enslavement is a reasonable one.

it refutes the notion that enslaved people are the descendants of ham and makes readers view douglass as deeply cynical.

it suggests that douglass does not view the bible as an important text and makes his anger towards enslavers clear.

it acknowledges the fact that enslaved people have been cursed by god and gives the text its bitter tone.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: Using a biblical allusion shows Douglass’s knowledge of religious texts, framing his critique of slavery as informed and reasonable.
• Analyze Option 2: The passage does not aim to make him seem cynical; it’s a logical argument against a scriptural justification for slavery.
• Analyze Option 3: The allusion shows engagement with the Bible, so this option’s claim that he deems it unimportant is wrong.
• Analyze Option 4: The passage argues against the “cursed by God” narrative for slavery, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

A. It establishes Douglass as a well - read, educated man whose critical view of enslavement is a reasonable one.