1. Douglass notes that Mistress Hugh was initially a kind woman who became terribly mean. What words does Douglass use to describe her when she was nice, then when she became mean.
What caused her to change?
2. One way that Douglass learns to read and write is by sharing bread with the poor white children
in his neighborhood. What is ironic about this? What is another way that Douglass teaches
himself to read and write?
3. Douglass reads Sheridan's "The Columbian Orator". What are the thoughts that this brings about
in young Douglass?
4. How do the Irish workers at the docks treat Douglass? What do they encourage him to do?
5. Select what you think is the most important passage in this text. Explain why you think it is so
important.