Question

in narrative of the life of frederick douglass, what first prompted douglass to think about running away to the north?

he was treated cruelly by his enslaver.
he read about enslaved persons who had escaped.
he heard two irishmen say that he deserved freedom.
he witnessed another enslaved person suffering.

Explanation:

Analyze the question prompt

The question asks what first prompted Frederick Douglass to think about running away to the North in his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.

Evaluate the historical text

In Chapter VII of the Narrative, Douglass describes working on the wharf in Baltimore. He helps two Irishmen unload a scow. Upon learning that Douglass is enslaved for life, the Irishmen express deep sympathy and advise him to run away to the North, where he would find friends and be free. Douglass notes that this conversation first sparked his resolution to escape, though he was careful not to show his excitement to them.

Connect to student concepts

Using the Cause and Effect in Literature and Literary Analysis knowledge points, we trace the direct cause of his decision. The conversation with the two Irishmen acted as the primary catalyst that made him realize escape was a viable possibility.

Compare the options

• Option 1: Cruel treatment was a constant condition, but not the specific spark for running North.
• Option 2: He learned to read, but the specific prompt for escaping North came from the Irishmen.
• Option 3: This directly matches the historical account in Chapter VII.
• Option 4: Witnessing suffering made him hate slavery, but did not first prompt the specific plan to run North.

Answer:

• He was treated cruelly by his enslaver.
• He read about enslaved persons who had escaped.
• He heard two Irishmen say that he deserved freedom. (Correct answer)
• He witnessed another enslaved person suffering.