Question

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

it is possible, and even quite probable, that but for the mere circumstance of being removed from that plantation to baltimore, i should have to-day, instead of being here seated by my own table, in the enjoyment of freedom and the happiness of home, writing this narrative, been confined in the galling chains of slavery. going to live at baltimore laid the foundation, and opened the gateway, to all my subsequent prosperity. i have ever regarded it as the first plain manifestation of that kind providence which has ever since attended me, and marked my life with so many favors. i regarded the selection of myself as being somewhat remarkable. there were a number of slave children that might have been sent from the plantation to baltimore. there were those younger, those older, and those of the same age. i

which of these predictions is best supported by the information provided?

douglass will work to help others because he is aware of his own good fortune.
douglass will own a plantation of his own because he is an extremely wealthy man.
douglass will rescue all the other enslaved persons from his plantation because he is powerful.
douglass will encourage enslaved persons to come to baltimore because it is a city of promise.

Explanation:

Analyze the excerpt

The author, Frederick Douglass, reflects on his removal from the plantation to Baltimore as a pivotal moment that "laid the foundation, and opened the gateway, to all my subsequent prosperity." He views this selection as a "plain manifestation of that kind providence" and notes that he was chosen over many other slave children of various ages, which he regarded as "somewhat remarkable."

Evaluate the options

• Option 1 suggests Douglass will work to help others because he is aware of his own good fortune. This aligns with his reflection on his remarkable selection and the "favors" of providence, which makes him conscious of his unique opportunity compared to other children left behind.
• Option 2 is incorrect because Douglass was an enslaved person who escaped; he would not own a plantation.
• Option 3 is incorrect because "rescuing all the other enslaved persons... because he is powerful" is an unrealistic and unsupported prediction.
• Option 4 is incorrect because Douglass does not suggest he will encourage others to come to Baltimore, nor did enslaved people have the freedom to simply choose to move there.

Determine the best prediction

The first option is the most reasonable and supported prediction, as his deep awareness of his fortunate selection and subsequent freedom lays the moral foundation for his future abolitionist work to help others.

Answer:

• (A) Douglass will work to help others because he is aware of his own good fortune. (Correct answer)
• (B) Douglass will own a plantation of his own because he is an extremely wealthy man.
• (C) Douglass will rescue all the other enslaved persons from his plantation because he is powerful.
• (D) Douglass will encourage enslaved persons to come to Baltimore because it is a city of promise.