Question

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

i could not approach her as i was accustomed to approach other white ladies. my early instruction was all out of place. the crouching servility, usually so acceptable a quality in a slave, did not answer when manifested toward her. her favor was not gained by it; she seemed to be disturbed by it. she did not deem it impudent or unmannerly for a slave to look her in the face. the meanest slave was put fully at ease in her presence...

what inference can be drawn about mrs. auld in this excerpt?

she shows enslaved persons an unfamiliar respect.
she does not enjoy speaking with enslaved persons.
she offers generous gifts to enslaved persons.
she displays her temper when she is upset.

Explanation:

Analyze the excerpt

The excerpt from The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass describes the narrator's initial interactions with Mrs. Auld. The narrator notes that he "could not approach her as I was accustomed to approach other white ladies" because his "early instruction" in "crouching servility" did not work with her. Instead of expecting submissive behavior, Mrs. Auld "seemed to be disturbed by it" and "did not deem it impudent or unmannerly for a slave to look her in the face." This indicates she treated enslaved people with a level of human dignity and respect that was highly unusual at the time.

Evaluate the options

Using Reading Comprehension, we can evaluate each choice:

• Option 1: "She shows enslaved persons an unfamiliar respect." This aligns perfectly with the text. The narrator's usual submissive behavior (servility) is met with discomfort, and she allows him to look her in the face, which represents an unfamiliar level of respect.
• Option 2: "She does not enjoy speaking with enslaved persons." The text states she puts them "fully at ease," which contradicts this.
• Option 3: "She offers generous gifts to enslaved persons." The text does not mention material gifts.
• Option 4: "She displays her temper when she is upset." There is no mention of her having a temper or being angry.

Formulate the inference

Using Inference from Text, we conclude that Mrs. Auld's behavior of being disturbed by servility and allowing eye contact shows she treats enslaved people with an unfamiliar respect.

Answer:

• She shows enslaved persons an unfamiliar respect. (Correct answer)
• She does not enjoy speaking with enslaved persons.
• She offers generous gifts to enslaved persons.
• She displays her temper when she is upset.