Question

1. what emotional impact does learning to read have on douglass?

a) it makes him hopeful and joyful
b) it fills him with hatred and despair
c) it encourages him to forgive his masters
d) it makes him indifferent to slavery

Explanation:

Douglass, in his narrative, described that while learning to read initially gave him some hope (as he could access knowledge), over time, as he read more about the evils of slavery and the justifications for it, it filled him with a deep - seated hatred for the institution and despair at the seemingly insurmountable nature of slavery. Option A is incorrect as the overall emotional impact was not one of long - term hope and joy. Option C is wrong because there is no indication in his work that he was encouraged to forgive his masters. Option D is incorrect as he was highly passionate (not indifferent) about ending slavery.

Answer:

B. It fills him with hatred and despair