Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass questions by chapter

We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 11 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.

1. Chapter 1

   In Chapter 1, Frederick Douglass says he did not know his birthday and was separated from his mother. What do these details help you understand about the cruelty of slavery?

2. Chapter 2

   In Chapter 2, Douglass describes the Great House Farm and the songs sung by enslaved people. What do the songs seem to show about their feelings and lives?

   Example answer: I think the songs show that the enslaved people were full of deep sadness, even if the songs did not say it directly. Douglass explains that some people might think the singing meant they were happy, but he says that was not true. To me, the songs were a way to let out pain when they had very little freedom.

3. Chapter 3

   In Chapter 3, Colonel Lloyd has strict rules about his garden and horses. What do these rules show about Colonel Lloyd's character and power?

4. Chapter 4

   In Chapter 4, Douglass tells about violent overseers like Mr. Gore. Why do you think Douglass includes these painful events in his story?

5. Chapter 5

   In Chapter 5, Douglass is sent to live in Baltimore. How does his life change there, and what do you predict this move might mean for his future?

6. Chapter 6

   In Chapter 6, Mr. Auld says that learning to read would make Douglass unfit to be enslaved. What does this help Douglass understand about education and freedom?

7. Chapter 7

   In Chapter 7, Douglass finds ways to keep learning to read and write. What does this show about his personality and determination?

   Example answer: This shows me that Douglass was very brave and determined. He did not give up even when adults tried to stop him from learning. I think he understood that reading and writing could help him think for himself and someday become free.

8. Chapter 8

   In Chapter 8, Douglass describes enslaved people being valued and divided like property after his master's death. How do you think this experience affected him?

9. Chapter 9

   In Chapter 9, Douglass writes about Master Thomas and the way some people used religion while still being cruel. What message do you think Douglass wants readers to understand?

10. Chapter 10

    In Chapter 10, Douglass fights back against Mr. Covey. Why is this moment a turning point in Douglass's life?

11. Chapter 11

    In Chapter 11, Douglass does not give all the details of his escape. Why do you think he keeps some information private, and what does this show about his care for others?

    Example answer: I think Douglass keeps the details private because other enslaved people might use the same path to escape. If he told everything, slaveholders could block the way and punish people. This shows that Douglass was not only thinking about himself, but also trying to protect others who wanted freedom.