Question

In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, what was the effect of Douglass observing ship carpenters marking pieces of timber?

A) It caused him to envy the men’s freedom.
B) It helped him to learn about boat parts.
C) It convinced him to try to run away.
D) It inspired him to teach himself to write.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C: It convinced him to try to run away. In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass's regular vision of powerful ships in the port puts him on the telephone and he feels sad for his miserable condition. The sight of the ships inspires him and he tries to look for freedom.

For Douglass, the boats symbolize freedom of movement and control over one's destiny.

Answer 2

The correct answer is D) It inspired him to teach himself to write.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this part of Chapter 7 from "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Doulass", Douglass observed how the carpenters wrote a letter on each piece of timber they made depending on which part of the ship it was intended for. If the piee was intended for the lardboard side, they would mark it with an "L"; if it was intended for the starboard side, it would be marked with an "S".

After Douglass discovered this pattern, he started copying them and was able to make four letters named and came up with a plan to learn lessons from boys who knew how to read and write, and Douglass used the board fence and the pavement as a copy-book.