Read the following excerpt from Douglass' narrative from page 182 in your textbook. Then answer the question at the end: Douglass learned what the word abolitionist meant, opening his thinking toward a hope of freedom one day, or as he says, "the light broke in upon me by degrees." In this excerpt he comes across some Irish shipyard workers at the local dock and falls into conversation.

"From this time I understood the words abolition and abolitionist, and always drew near when that word was spoken, expecting to hear something of importance to myself and fellow-slaves. The light broke in upon me by degrees. I went one day down on the wharf of Mr. Waters; and seeing two Irishmen unloading a scow of stone, I went, unasked, and helped them. When we had finished, one of them came to me and asked me if I were a slave. I told him I was. He asked, "Are ye a slave for life?" I told him that I was. The good Irishman seemed to be deeply affected by the statement. He said to the other that it was a pity so fine a little fellow as myself should be a slave for life. He said it was a shame to hold me. They both advised me to run away to the north; that I should find friends there, and that I should be free. I pretended not to be interested in what they said, and treated them as if I did not understand them; for I feared they might be treacherous. White men have been known to encourage slaves to escape, and then, to get the reward, catch them and return them to their masters. I was afraid that these seemingly good men might use me so; but I nevertheless remembered their advice, and from that time I resolved to run away. I looked forward to a time at which it would be safe for me to escape. I was too young to think of doing so immediately; besides, I wished to learn how to write, as I might have occasion to write my own pass. I consoled myself with the hope that I should one day find a good chance. Meanwhile, I would learn to write."

(Douglass 182).

Question: What idea does the young twelve-year-old Douglass discover here through this chance conversation with the Irish shipyard workers? And what does he decide to do in the meantime while he is still too young to take on such a dangerous feat?


a) The young Douglass tried to run away north, but got caught by these Irishmen so they could gather a reward. Douglass determines to seek revenge.

b) The young Douglass comes to realize these Irishmen are after reward money, so he will content himself to stay put so that they don't come after him. Douglass determines to bide his time.

c) After conversing with the Irishmen at the shipyard, the young Douglass listens to the advice of the Irishmen that he might one day endeavor to escape north to freedom. Still too young, he contents himself with learning to write.