AP Language and Composition
Summer Reading Project
AP Language & Composition [Juniors]
Ms. April Pameticky [W311] apameticky@usd259.net
In the spirit of AP, and in celebration of reading and writing, Wichita High School East AP English Juniors and Seniors are required to complete summer reading and related assignments.
Students can check out Frederick Douglass’ Narrative from Ms. Pameticky (W311), or students may purchase their own copies.
Because Frederick Douglass is in the Public Domain, there are numerous free and downloadable versions. He wrote 3 memoirs, including his initial autobiography, over the course of his lifetime. It’s important to make sure that you read the earliest version: The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, rather than the two later versions.
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (1845)
- He first gave a public abolitionist speech--the genesis of his personal story in a public setting, in 1843
- his freedom was purchased on his behalf by supporters in England in 1846
Sometimes called The Narrative, sometimes just Frederick Douglass, or even The Narrative of an American Slave, these all refer to the shortest and earliest of his 3 books.
Regardless of the 'version,' the text remains the same. Choose a digital format that best suits your needs. And remember, you can always purchase your own copy OR ask to check one out from Ms. Pameticky (W311).
- Gutenberg: Offers versions compatible with iReaders (apple: ePub) and Kindle Files (mobi) http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23
- Ibiblio: Ms. Pameticky's Favorite digital PDF version--most readable on a computer screen. https://www.ibiblio.org/ebooks/Douglass/Narrative/Douglass_Narrative.pdf
- Uni. Of Virginia Online Version (no download necessary). This version is broken up by chunks, but still organized in chapter form. http://utc.iath.virginia.edu/abolitn/dougnarrhp.html
- Dover Thrift: Amazon Dover Thrift Version (small cost, whether print or Kindle)—you’ll order direct from AMAZON
Students will take a Multiple Choice Exam over the summer reading during the first week of school. Then we’ll use Douglass as a platform for introducing Rhetoric and Argument during the first quarter with several assignments.
Student will not be tested on the relationships of various masters (this does get a little confusing in the text). Instead, focus on pivotal moments in Douglass’ life, and on his arguments humanizing slaves and his approbation of slavery.
This is not a long text—but do not procrastinate. Douglass has a florid and exuberant style of writing that takes a little focus and attention to get used to. A study-guide has been provided, with a focused discussion on areas of importance within the text.
I will have some email access over the summer. Students are invited to write with questions or concerns!
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
You will NOT turn in your answers. These are provided to guide your thinking and reading experience as you read this over the summer!
Chapters I-III
1. Where and when was Frederick Douglass born? What was his name at birth? What did he know about his parents?
2. How old was Frederick Douglass when he wrote his narrative?
3. Describe Frederick's relationship with his mother.
4. What are Douglass's observations about the children--those who had a slave mother but a white father, who was usually the slave owner?
5. Describe the slaves' monthly allowance of food and yearly clothing. Describe their beds and bedding.
6. What did Douglass say about the singing of the slaves? How did he feel about the songs?
7. Describe Colonel Lloyd's method for keeping slaves out of his garden.
8. Summarize Douglass's observations about the reasons the slaves usually gave only positive, complimentary comments about their masters.
Chapters IV-VI
1. Douglass says that Mr. Gore was "cruel, artful, and obdurate." What are examples of this?
2. What did Mr. Gore do to the slave named Demby? Why did he do this? What punishment did Mr. Gore receive?
3. Who were Mr. Thomas Lanman, Mrs. Hick, and Mr. Beal Bondy? What did each of them do?
4. How old was Douglass when he left the Lloyd plantation? Where did he go? With whom did he live there?
5. What did Mrs. Auld teach Douglass to do? What did Mr. Auld say when he found out?
6. Compare and contrast the treatment of slaves by the slave owners in the city
Chapters VII-IX
1. How did Mrs. Auld change during the time that Douglass lived with the Auld family? What made her change?
2. How did Douglass learn to read?
3. "? What effect did this book have on him? "The Columbian Orator”
4. Why did Douglass say that learning to read was a curse instead of a blessing?
5. What word did Douglass hear that was of interest to him? How did he find out the meaning? Why was this word interesting?
6. Describe how Douglass learned to write.
7. What regret did Douglass express about the time when he was moved from Master Hugh's home to Master Thomas?
8. Douglass says that Master Thomas was a mean man. Which of Thomas's practices was considered the meanest, even among slaveholders?
Chapter X
1. What happened to Douglass almost every week for the first six months that he lived with Covey?
2. Douglass says that he was "somewhat unmanageable" when he first went to live with Covey. How does Douglass describe himself after he had been with Covey for a few months?
4. What did Covey do to Douglass when he (Douglass) became sick while fanning the wheat?
5. What did Douglass do as a result of Covey's treatment of him?
6. What suggestion did another slave named Sandy Jenkins give to Douglass? What did Douglass do?
7. Describe the turning point in Douglass's life as a slave that happened when he was with Covey.
8. According to Douglass, what institution is the "mere covering for the most horrid crimes"? What type of slaveholders are the worst? Why does Douglass think this?
9. Describe Douglass's first attempt to run away. Tell who was with him, what the plan was, how far they got in the attempt, and what happened to each of the men after they were caught.
10. What trade did Douglass learn?
Chapters XI
1. Why didn't Douglass give all of the details of his escape?
2. How did Douglass feel about the underground railroad?
3. Master Hugh sometimes gave Douglass six cents of his wages after he had made six dollars, supposedly to encourage him. What effect did this have on Douglass?
4. Why did Douglass want to hire himself out, even though Master Hugh took most of the wages?
5. When did Douglass succeed in escaping? Where did he go? How did Douglass feel when he arrived in the free state? 6. What motto did Douglass adopt in the free state. Why? 7. Who helped Douglass and what were some of the results of his help?
7. What newspaper did Douglass begin to read? How did this newspaper affect his ideas and actions?
8. Summarize Douglass's thoughts on the type of Christianity that he calls the slaveholding religion.