Question

The slave was made to say some very smart as well as impressive things in reply to his master–things which had the desired though unexpected effect; for the conversation resulted in the voluntary emancipation of the slave on the part of the master.

Which best describes why Douglass used this sentence in his narrative?
A.
Douglass wanted to show the readers that he would eventually be emancipated like the slave in the book.


B.
Douglass wanted to show his appreciation for the well written book he was reading.


C.
Douglass wanted to prepare the reader for the discontentment he was to face as an adult.


D.
Douglass wanted to prepare the reader for the effect the conversation had on his own emancipation.

Answer 1

D. Douglass wanted to prepare the reader for the effect the conversation had on his own emancipation.

The sentence describes how the slave's conversation with his master resulted in the voluntary emancipation of the slave, indicating that conversations between slaves and their masters could sometimes have unexpected and positive outcomes. This foreshadows the effect that conversations would have on Douglass's own emancipation, which was also the result of unexpected circumstances and conversations. Therefore, option D is the best description of why Douglass used this sentence in his narrative.