Question

select the correct answer.
read the following excerpt from incidents in the life of a slave girl by harriet ann jacobs. what is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
i was born a slave; but i never knew it till six years of happy childhood had passed away. my father was a carpenter, and considered so intelligent and skilful in his trade, that, when buildings out of the common line were to be erected, he was sent for from long distances, to be head workman. on condition of paying his mistress two hundred dollars a year, and supporting himself, he was allowed to work at his trade, and manage his own affairs. his strongest wish was to purchase his children, but, though he several times offered his hard earnings for that purpose, he never succeeded. in complexion my parents were a light shade of brownish yellow, and were termed mulattoes. they lived together in a comfortable home; and, though we were all slaves, i was so fondly shielded that i never dreamed i was a piece of merchandise, trusted to them for safe keeping, and liable to be demanded of them at any moment. i had one brother, william, who was two years younger than myself—a bright, affectionate child.
a. to inform readers about the effects of slavery on family life
b. to persuade readers that slavery was wrong
c. to entertain readers with stories about the author’s life as a slave
d. to express the author’s anger at being born a slave

Explanation:

To determine the author's purpose, analyze each option:

• Option A: The passage describes the author's family life under slavery (father's attempts to buy children, family living conditions, author's shielded childhood). This aligns with informing about slavery's effects on family life.
• Option B: The passage is descriptive, not argumentative to persuade; it doesn't present reasons why slavery is wrong.
• Option C: The tone is informative, not focused on entertaining (no dramatic or humorous elements for entertainment).
• Option D: The author's tone is reflective, not angry; the passage focuses on describing experiences, not expressing anger.

Answer:

A. to inform readers about the effects of slavery on family life