HSC English First Paper English For Today - Unit 5 Lesson 5 Frederick Douglass

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

I was born in Tuckahoe, near Hillsborough, and about twelve miles from Easton, in Talbot County Maryland. I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing it. By far the larger part of the slaves know as little of their ages as horses know of theirs, and it is the wish of most masters within my knowledge to keep their slaves thus ignorant. I do not remember to have ever met a slave who could tell of his birthday. They seldom come nearer to it than planting-time, harvest-time, cherry-time, spring-time, or fall-time. A want of information concerning my own was a source of unhappiness to me even during childhood. The white children could tell their ages.

 I could not tell why I ought to be deprived of the same privilege. I was not allowed to make any inquiries of my master concerning it. He deemed all such inquiries on the part of a slave improper and impertinent, and evidence of a restless spirit. The nearest estimate I can give makes me now between twenty-seven and twenty-eight years of age. I come to this, from hearing my master say, sometime during 1835, I was about seventeen years old. My mother was named Harriet Bailey. She was the daughter of Isaac and Betsey Bailey, both colored, and quite dark. My mother was of a darker complexion than either my grandmother or grandfather. 

My father was a white man. He was admitted to be such by all I ever heard speak of my parentage. The opinion was also whispered that my master was my father; but of the correctness of this opinion, I know nothing; the means of knowing was withheld from me.

My mother and I were separated when I was but an infant - before I knew her as my mother. It is a common custom, in the part of Maryland from which I ran away, to part children from their mothers at a very early age. Frequently, before the child has reached its twelfth month, its mother is taken from it, and hired out on some farm a considerable distance off, and the child is placed under the care of an old woman, too old for field labor. For what this separation is done, I do not know, unless it be to hinder the development of the child's affection toward its mother, and to blunt and destroy the natural affection of the mother for the child. This is the inevitable result. 

I never saw my mother, to know her as such, more than four or five times in my life; and each of these times was very short in duration, and at night. She was hired by a Mr. Stewart, who lived about twelve miles from my home. She made her journeys to see me in the night, travelling the whole distance on foot, after the performance of her day's work. She wes a field hand, and a whipping is the penalty of not being in the field at sunrise, unless a slave has special permission from his or ber master to the contrary--a permission which they seldom get, and one that gives to him that gives it the proud name of being a kind master. I do not recollect of ever seeing my mother by the light of day. She was with me in the night. She would lie down with me, and get me to sleep, but long before I waked she was gone. Very little communication ever took place between us. Death soon ended what little we could have while she lived, and with it her hardships and suffering. She died when I was about seven years old, on one of my master's farms, near Lee's Mill. I was not allowed to be present during her illness, at her death, or burial. 

She was gone long before I knew anything about it. Never having enjoyed, to any ‘considerable extent', her soothing presence, her tender and watchful care, I received the tidings of her-death with much the same emotions I should have probably felt at the death of a stranger.

Read the passage again and answer the questions:  

(1) Where was the speaker born, and how far is it from Easton, Maryland? 

Answer. The speaker was born in Tuckahoe, near Hillsborough, about twelve miles from Easton, in Talbot County, Maryland.  

(2) Why did the speaker not know his exact age? 

Answer. The speaker did not know his exact age because his master deliberately kept this information from him. Many slaves were kept ignorant of their ages, as it was not considered important by their masters.   

(3) How did most slaves refer to their age instead of using birth dates? 

Answer. Most slaves referred to their age by events like planting-time, harvest-time, or seasons, rather than by specific birth dates. This method of referencing age reflects their lack of personal records and identity.  

(4) What did the speaker feel about not knowing his age as a child? 

Answer. The speaker felt unhappy during childhood because white children could easily tell their ages, while he could not. This lack of knowledge made the speaker question why he was denied such basic information.   

(5) Who were the speaker's parents, and what is notable about his heritage?

Answer. The speaker's mother was Harriet Bailey, the daughter of Isaac and Betsey Bailey, who were both people of color. The speaker's father was a white man. There were whispers that his master might also be his father, but the speaker could not confirm this.  

(6) How does the speaker describe the knowledge of age among most slaves? 

Answer. The speaker describes that most slaves know as little about their age as horses do. This comparison highlights the dehumanization of slaves and their lack of personal identity.  

(7) What reason does the speaker give for his unhappiness regarding age?

Answer. The speaker felt unhappy about his age because he was aware that white children knew theirs. This disparity made him feel less valued and important.  

(8) What method did the speaker use to estimate his age?  

Answer. The speaker estimated his age to be between twenty-seven and twenty-eight based on what his master had said. He recalled that his master mentioned he was about seventeen years old in 1835.  

(9) Why was the speaker not allowed to ask his master about his age?  

Answer. The speaker was not allowed to ask his master about his age because such questions were considered improper and a sign of a "restless spirit." This rule enforced silence and submission among slaves.  

(10) What colors are associated with the speaker's parents in terms of complexion?

Answer. The speaker's mother was of a darker complexion than both their grandmother and grandfather. This detail shows the varied shades within their family and emphasizes racial identity.   

(11) What is the significance of the speaker's mother's name, Harriet Bailey? 

Answer. The name Harriet Bailey is significant as it identifies the speaker's mother and connects the speaker to his family lineage. It also reflects the common naming practices among enslaved families.

(12) How did the speaker's father's race influence his identity? 

Answer. The speaker's father being a white man suggests a complex racial heritage. This mixed background might have influenced his social status and experiences as an enslaved person.  

(13) What does the speaker suggest about his master's possible relationship to him? 

Answer. The speaker suggests that there were rumors about his master possibly being his father, but he couldn't confirm this. This ambiguity reflects the difficult family dynamics in the context of slavery.  

(14) How does the speaker's experience reflect on the lives of enslaved people? 

Answer. The speaker's experience reflects the lives of enslaved people by showcasing their lack of knowledge, autonomy, and identity. It highlights the emotional and psychological effects of slavery.  

(15) What emotions does the speaker convey about his early childhood experiences? 

Answer. The speaker conveys feelings of confusion, sadness, and a sense of loss regarding his early childhood experiences. These emotions stem from his lack of personal history and connection to his family. 

(16) Why were children often separated from their mothers in the speaker's area of Maryland? 

Answer. Children were often separated from their mothers at a very early age to hinder the development of the child's affection for the mother. This custom aimed to blunt and destroy the natural bond between them.   

(17) How many times did the speaker see his mother, and under what conditions? 

Answer. The speaker saw his mother only four or five times in their life, and each visit was short and occurred at night. These brief encounters limited his ability to build a relationship.  

(18) How did the speaker's mother manage to see him despite being separated? 

Answer. The speaker's mother traveled the whole distance on foot after completing her day's work as a field hand to see him at night. This was a difficult journey, as she had to manage her time carefully to avoid punishment.  

(19) What penalties did the speaker's mother face for not being in the field at sunrise? 

Answer. The penalty for not being in the field at sunrise was a whipping, unless a slave received special permission from the master. Such permission was rarely granted and considered a mark of a "kind master."  

(20) What were the speaker's feelings upon learning of his mother's death?

Answer. Upon learning of his mother's death, the speaker felt emotions similar to those he would have felt for a stranger. The lack of a close relationship made the news of her passing feel distant and impersonal. 

(21) At what age was the speaker separated from his mother?  

Answer. The speaker was separated from his mother when he was an infant, before he even knew her as his mother. This early separation had a lasting impact on his emotional development.  

(22) What is the custom regarding mothers and children in the speaker's part of Maryland? 

Answer. In the speaker's part of Maryland, it was common for mothers to be hired out and separated from their children very early in life. This custom often caused deep emotional scars for both mothers and their children.  

(23) Why might the separation of children from their mothers be considered harmful? 

Answer. The separation could hinder the child's emotional attachment to their mother and damage the mother's feelings for her child. This loss of affection was a cruel consequence of slavery.  

(24) How far did the speaker's mother have to travel to see him?

Answer. The speaker's mother had to travel about twelve miles on foot to see him. This long journey was made even more challenging after a full day of labor.  

(25) In what condition did the speaker and his mother meet?  

Answer. The speaker and his mother met only at night, which limited their time together and made their relationship difficult. Their meetings were brief and filled with sadness.  

(26) What did the speaker's mother do for a living?  

Answer. The speaker's mother worked as a field hand. Her job required her to work long hours, making the separation even more challenging.  

(27) Why was the speaker not allowed to be with his mother during her illness or death?

Answer. The speaker was not allowed to be with his mother during her illness or death because she was considered property. Masters often denied slaves the comfort of family during critical times.  

(28) How did the speaker describe his emotional response to his mother's death? 

Answer. The speaker's emotional response to his mother's death was similar to that of a stranger. This indicates how distant his relationship had been due to separation.   

(29) What impact did the lack of a mother's presence have on the speaker?  

Answer. The lack of his mother's presence left the speaker with a sense of loss and confusion about his identity. Without her nurturing care, he felt disconnected. 

(30) How does the speaker's experience reflect the broader conditions of enslaved families?

Answer. The speaker's experience illustrates the harsh realities faced by enslaved families, where separation and loss were common. This reflects the broader suffering endured by countless enslaved people.

একজন আমেরিকান দাস ফ্রেডরিক ডগলাসের জীবনালেখ্য 

আমি হিলসবারোর নিকটে, ইস্টন থেকে প্রায় বারো মাইল দূরে মেরিল্যান্ডের টালবট কাউন্টির টাকাহোয় জন্মগ্রহণ করি। আমার বয়স সম্পর্কে আমার কোনো সঠিক ধারণা নেই, কারণ আমি কখনো কোনো প্রামাণিক রেকর্ড দেখিনি। বেশিরভাগ দাসরা তাদের বয়স সম্পর্কে তেমন কিছু জানে না, যেমন ঘোড়ারা তাদের বয়স সম্পর্কে জানে না, এবং আমার জানা মতে বেশিরভাগ প্রভু তাদের দাসদের এইভাবে অজ্ঞ রাখতে চায়। আমার কখনো এমন কোনো দাসের সাথে দেখা করেছি বলে মনে নেই যে কিনা তার জন্মদিন বলতে পারে। তারা সাধারণত কাছাকাছি একটা কিছু বলতে পারে, যেমন: রোপণের সময়, ফসল তোলার সময়, চেরির সময়, বসন্ত বা শরতের সময়। আমার নিজের সম্পর্কে এই অজ্ঞানতা আমার শৈশবেই আমার মধ্যে একটি অসন্তুষ্টির উৎস ছিল। শ্বেতাঙ্গ শিশুরা তাদের বয়স বলতে পারত।

আমি বলতে পারিনি কেন আমি একই অধিকার থেকে বঞ্চিত হবো। আমাকে আমার প্রভুর কাছে এ বিষয়ে কোনো প্রশ্ন জিজ্ঞাসা করার অনুমতি দেওয়া হতো না। তিনি দাসের পক্ষ থেকে এই ধরনের প্রশ্নকে অপ্রয়োজনীয় এবং ঔদ্ধত্য বলে মনে করতেন এবং এটি এক ধরনের অস্থির মানসিকতার প্রমাণ হিসেবে গণ্য করতেন। আমার অনুমান আমার বর্তমান বয়স সাতাশ থেকে আটাশ বছরের মধ্যে। এ রকমটিই আমার অনুমান, কারণ ১৮৩৫ সালের কোনো এক সময়ে আমার প্রভুকে বলতে শুনেছিলাম যে আমি প্রায় সতেরো বছর বয়সী। 

আমার মায়ের নাম ছিল হ্যারিয়েট বেইলি। তিনি ছিলেন আইজাক এবং বেটসি বেইলির কন্যা, দুজনেই বর্ণ গোত্রীয় মানুষ এবং বেশ কালো। আমার মা আমার দাদা-দাদির চেয়ে বেশি কালো ছিলেন। 

আমার বাবা ছিলেন একজন শ্বেতাঙ্গ। আমার পিতৃত্ব সম্পর্কে যাদের কথা শুনেছি, তারা সবাই এটাকে মেনে নিয়েছে। এছাড়াও গুজব ছিল যে আমার প্রভুই আমার বাবা; তবে এই ধারণার সঠিকতা সম্পর্কে আমি কিছু জানি না, কারণ এই বিষয়ে জানতে আমাকে কোনো সুযোগ দেওয়া হয়নি।

আমার মা এবং আমাকে আমার শৈশবকালেই আলাদা করা হয়েছিল - যখন আমি তাকে মা হিসেবে চিনতাম না। মেরিল্যান্ডের যে অংশ থেকে আমি পালিয়েছি, সেখানে ছোট শিশুদের তাদের মায়েদের থেকে খুব অল্প বয়সেই বিচ্ছিন্ন করা একটি সাধারণ প্রথা। প্রায়ই, শিশু এক বছরেরও কম বয়সী থাকতেই তার মাকে দূরের কোনো খামারে কাজ করতে পাঠানো হয়, এবং শিশুটিকে এমন একজন বৃদ্ধ মহিলার তত্ত্বাবধানে রাখা হয়, যিনি মাঠের কাজে অক্ষম। কেন এই বিচ্ছেদ ঘটানো হয়, তা আমি জানিনা, যদি না এর উদ্দেশ্য হয় শিশুর মায়ের প্রতি স্নেহের বিকাশকে বাধা দেওয়া এবং সন্তানের প্রতি মায়ের স্বাভাবিক স্নেহকে দুর্বল ও ধ্বংস করা।এর ফলাফল অবধারিত।

আমি জীবনে চার বা পাঁচবারের বেশি আমার মাকে দেখিনি, তাই তাকে মা হিসেবে চেনার অবকাশ হয়নি। প্রতিবারের সাক্ষাৎ ছিল খুবই সংক্ষিপ্ত, এবং তা রাতে ঘটেছিল। মি. স্টুয়ার্ট নামের এক লোক তাকে ভাড়া করেছিলেন, যিনি আমার বাড়ি থেকে প্রায় বারো মাইল দূরে থাকতেন। সারাদিনের কাজ শেষে তিনি আমাকে দেখতে রাতের বেলায় হেঁটে চলে আসতেন। তিনি মাঠে কাজ করতেন, এবং সূর্যোদয়ের আগে মাঠে না থাকলে চাবুক মারা হতো, যদি না কোনো দাস তার প্রভুর থেকে বিশেষ অনুমতি পেত -যা খুব কম‍ই দেওয়া হতো, এবং এই অনুমতি দেওয়া প্রভু 'দয়ালু প্রভু' হিসেবে প্রশংসিত হতো। আমি দিনের আলোতে কখনো আমার মাকে দেখেছি বলে মনে করতে পারি না। তিনি রাতে আমার সঙ্গে থাকতেন। তিনি আমার পাশে শুয়ে আমাকে ঘুম পাড়িয়ে নিতেন, কিন্তু আমি ঘুম থেকে জাগার আগেই তিনি চলে যেতেন। আমাদের মধ্যে খুব কমই কোনো কথা হতো। তার জীবদ্দশায় যা কিছু সামান্য সম্পর্ক ছিল তা মৃত্যুই শেষ করে দেয়, এবং তার কষ্ট ও যন্ত্রণাও সেইসঙ্গে শেষ হয়। আমি যখন প্রায় সাত বছর বয়সী ছিলাম, তখন তিনি লি’স মিলের কাছে আমার প্রভুর এক খামারে মারা যান। তার অসুস্থতা, মৃত্যু বা দাফনের সময় আমাকে সেখানে থাকতে দেওয়া হয়নি। 

আমি কিছু জানার আগেই তিনি চলে গিয়েছিলেন। তার সান্ত্বনাময় উপস্থিতি, তার স্নেহপূর্ণ এবং নিবিড় যত্ন খুব বেশি উপভোগ করতে না পারায়, তার মৃত্যুর সংবাদ আমি এমনভাবে গ্রহণ করি, যেমনটি সম্ভবত একজন অপরিচিত ব্যক্তির মৃত্যুর সংবাদ শুনে অনুভব করতাম।