99 words to know before reading Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

1. The act of freeing someone from control or oppression.
2. The legal process of granting freedom, especially from slavery.

those of his black brother—Daniel O’Connell, the distinguished advocate of universal emancipation, and the mightiest champion of prostrate but not conquered Ireland, relates the following

1. Large numbers of people or things.
2. The masses or general public.

remembrance of those who are in bonds, as being bound with them!—fortunate for the multitudes, in various parts of our republic, whose minds he has enlightened on the subject of slavery, and

1. A quality that evokes pity or sadness.
2. An emotional appeal in rhetoric or art.

minds he has enlightened on the subject of slavery, and who have been melted to tears by his pathos, or roused to virtuous indignation by his stirring eloquence against the enslavers of

1. Fluent and persuasive speaking or writing.
2. The ability to express oneself clearly and powerfully.

proportion and stature commanding and exact—in intellect richly endowed—in natural eloquence a prodigy—in soul manifestly “created but a little lower than the angels”—yet a slave, ay, a

1. Caused or imposed something unpleasant or harmful on someone or something.
2. Forced to endure or suffer something negative.

incredulous whenever they read or listen to any recital of the cruelties which are daily inflicted on its victims. They do not deny that the slaves are held as property; but that terrible fact

1. A person who is fleeing, especially from prosecution or danger.
2. Something fleeting or hard to grasp, like a fleeting thought.

soul manifestly “created but a little lower than the angels”—yet a slave, ay, a fugitive slave—trembling for his safety, hardly daring to believe that on the American soil, a single

1. Carried out or committed (a harmful, illegal, or immoral action).
2. To be responsible for or guilty of (a wrongdoing or crime).

chastisements were inflicted upon his person! what still more shocking outrages were perpetrated upon his mind! with all his noble powers and sublime aspirations, how like a brute was he

1. A short story, often with animals as characters, conveying a moral lesson.
2. A fictitious narrative or myth.

Letter from Wendell Phillips, Esq. Boston, April 22, 1845. My Dear Friend: You remember the old fable of “The Man and the Lion,” where the lion complained that he should not be so misrepresented

1. Done without conscious control or intention.
2. Not by choice; compulsory or forced.

history.” We have been left long enough to gather the character of slavery from the involuntary evidence of the masters. One might, indeed, rest sufficiently satisfied with what, it is evident,

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

a relation, without seeking farther to find whether they have followed in every instance. Indeed, those who stare at the half-peck of corn a week, and love to count the lashes on the slave’s

1. To strike or pick up with the beak (as a bird does).
2. A quick, light kiss.

to find whether they have followed in every instance. Indeed, those who stare at the half-peck of corn a week, and love to count the lashes on the slave’s back, are seldom the “stuff” out of

1. The hairs growing on the edge of an eyelid.
2. Strikes with a whip or similar object.

instance. Indeed, those who stare at the half-peck of corn a week, and love to count the lashes on the slave’s back, are seldom the “stuff” out of which reformers and abolitionists are to be

1. Uncommon in occurrence or experience.

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

1. People who work to improve or change systems, laws, or institutions for the better.
2. Advocates or activists promoting social, political, or religious reforms.

and love to count the lashes on the slave’s back, are seldom the “stuff” out of which reformers and abolitionists are to be made. I remember that, in 1838, many were waiting for the results of

1. People who advocated for the end of slavery.
2. Activists working to abolish unjust laws or practices.

the lashes on the slave’s back, are seldom the “stuff” out of which reformers and abolitionists are to be made. I remember that, in 1838, many were waiting for the results of the West India

1. An expression of sorrow, regret, or grief (interjection).
2. Unfortunately or sadly (adverb).

experiment, before they could come into our ranks. Those “results” have come long ago; but, alas! few of that number have come with them, as converts. A man must be disposed to judge of

1. Failed to care for properly.
2. Suffered from lack of attention.

stone of his anti-slavery life. I was glad to learn, in your story, how early the most neglected of God’s children waken to a sense of their rights, and of the injustice done them. Experience is

1. Large pieces of fabric attached to a boat to catch wind and propel it forward.
2. The collective term for all sails on a ship.

of that noble bay, and traced, with saddened heart and tearful eye, the countless number of sails moving off to the mighty ocean. The sight of these always affected me powerfully. My thoughts

1. A type of edible underground fungus or plant root, often used by Native Americans as food.
2. A term referring to certain plants or fungi in the eastern United States, like the Indian breadroot.

I I was born in Tuckahoe, near Hillsborough, and about twelve miles from Easton, in Talbot County, Maryland. I have no

1. Questions or requests for information.
2. Official investigations or examinations.

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

1. The outer wall of a castle.
2. The courtyard enclosed by this wall.

but still encouraged us. Our company then consisted of Henry Harris, John Harris, Henry Bailey, Charles Roberts, and myself. Henry Bailey was my uncle, and belonged to my master. Charles

1. To strike with a whip or something similar.
2. The flexible part of a whip.

son tie up his brother, of but few shades darker complexion than himself, and ply the gory lash to his naked back; and if he lisp one word of disapproval, it is set down to his parental

1. A person who installs and repairs plumbing systems.
2. A tool used for gripping or bending pipes.

slaves. His farms and slaves were under the care of an overseer. The overseer’s name was Plummer. Mr. Plummer was a miserable drunkard, a profane swearer, and a savage monster. He always went

1. Causing intense sorrow or distress.
2. Deeply upsetting or emotionally painful.

sleeves, he commenced to lay on the heavy cowskin, and soon the warm, red blood (amid heartrending shrieks from her, and horrid oaths from him) came dripping to the floor. I was so terrified and

1. Loud, sharp cries or screams, often due to fear, pain, or excitement.
2. High-pitched sounds resembling a scream, like those made by animals or objects.

he commenced to lay on the heavy cowskin, and soon the warm, red blood (amid heartrending shrieks from her, and horrid oaths from him) came dripping to the floor. I was so terrified and

1. A horizontal structural beam supporting floors or ceilings.
2. A parallel timber or steel member in framing.

of day by the most heartrending shrieks of an own aunt of mine, whom he used to tie up to a joist, and whip upon her naked back till she was literally covered with blood. No words, no tears, no

1. Began or started something.
2. Formally initiated an action or process.

of my aunt; but those who knew him will not suspect him of any such virtue. Before he commenced whipping Aunt Hester, he took her into the kitchen, and stripped her from neck to waist, leaving

1. A seat without a back or arms, typically with three or four legs.
2. Feces; waste matter discharged from the bowels.

to a stool under a large hook in the joist, put in for the purpose. He made her get upon the stool, and tied her hands to the hook. She now stood fair for his infernal purpose. Her arms were

1. A single-masted sailing boat with a fore-and-aft rig and one headsail.
2. A small, fast naval vessel used for escort or patrol duties.

in almost constant employment a large sloop, in carrying them to market at Baltimore. This sloop was named Sally Lloyd, in honor of one of the colonel’s daughters. My master’s son-in-law,

1. A river in England, flowing through Herefordshire and Monmouthshire.
2. A term for the letter 'Y' in the English alphabet.

to him. The names of the farms nearest to the home plantation were Wye Town and New Design. “Wye Town” was under the overseership of a man named Noah Willis. New Design was under the

1. Rough or harsh in texture.
2. Lacking refinement or delicacy.

shoes, stockings, jackets, nor trousers, given to them; their clothing consisted of two coarse linen shirts per year. When these failed them, they went naked until the next allowance-day.

1. Garments covering the body from the waist to the ankles, with separate sections for each leg.
2. Also known as pants in some regions.

coarse linen shirts, one pair of linen trousers, like the shirts, one jacket, one pair of trousers for winter, made of coarse negro cloth, one pair of stockings, and one pair of shoes; the whole

1. Close-fitting, elastic garments covering the foot and leg, typically made of nylon or silk.
2. Hosiery worn for fashion, warmth, or support, often reaching the thigh.

one jacket, one pair of trousers for winter, made of coarse negro cloth, one pair of stockings, and one pair of shoes; the whole of which could not have cost more than seven dollars. The

1. Repairing or fixing something that is broken or damaged.
2. The act of improving or restoring a relationship or situation.

for when their day’s work in the field is done, the most of them having their washing, mending, and cooking to do, and having few or none of the ordinary facilities for doing either of these,

1. Deep sorrow or distress.
2. An exclamation of grief or lamentation.

of friendly counsel and aid, even in his greatest extremities! how heavy was the midnight of woe which shrouded in blackness the last ray of hope, and filled the future with terror and gloom!

1. Lacking respect for sacred things; irreverent.
2. Not connected with religion or religious matters; secular.

place was filled by a Mr. Hopkins. He was a very different man. He was less cruel, less profane, and made less noise, than Mr. Severe. His course was characterized by no extraordinary

1. Short trips taken to complete tasks or deliver messages.
2. Small jobs or chores, often outside the home.

the American Congress, than a slave on one of the out-farms would be of his election to do errands at the Great House Farm. They regarded it as evidence of great confidence reposed in them by

1. A dark, thick liquid derived from coal or wood, used in paving roads or waterproofing.
2. To coat or cover something with tar.

became as fearful of tar as of the lash. They seemed to realize the impossibility of touching tar without being defiled. The colonel also kept a splendid riding equipage. His stable and

1. Magnificent or impressive in appearance.
2. Excellent or very good.

the wharves I strolled around and over the town, gazing with wonder and admiration at the splendid churches, beautiful dwellings, and finely-cultivated gardens; evincing an amount of wealth,

1. A friendly argument or dispute.
2. A slang term for a fight or altercation.

which he frequently indulged, and one which, of course, made the office of old and young Barney a very trying one. They never knew when they were safe from punishment. They were frequently

1. Dried grass used as animal fodder.
2. A small amount, especially of money (informal).

too wet or too dry; he got it too soon or too late; he was too hot or too cold; he had too much hay, and not enough of grain; or he had too much grain, and not enough of hay; instead of old

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

on both sides of the Atlantic. Let the calumniators of the colored race despise themselves for their baseness and illiberality of spirit, and henceforth cease to talk of the natural

1. An angry argument or disagreement.
2. A short, heavy arrow used with a crossbow.

when the very reverse is true. Indeed, it is not uncommon for slaves even to fall out and quarrel among themselves about the relative goodness of their masters, each contending for the superior

1. Competing or striving for victory or superiority.
2. Asserting or maintaining a claim or position in argument.

fall out and quarrel among themselves about the relative goodness of their masters, each contending for the superior goodness of his own over that of the others. At the very same time, they

1. Famous and respected in a particular field.
2. Standing out prominently; distinguished.

to suit Colonel Lloyd. Mr. Hopkins was succeeded by Mr. Austin Gore, a man possessing, in an eminent degree, all those traits of character indispensable to what is called a first-rate overseer. Mr.

1. Absolutely necessary or essential.
2. Cannot be done without; crucial.

and fluency of language. There is in him that union of head and heart, which is indispensable to an enlightenment of the heads and a winning of the hearts of others. May his strength continue

1. Having a strong desire to succeed or achieve something.
2. Requiring great effort or skill; challenging.

the slave, and quite servile enough to crouch, himself, at the feet of the master. He was ambitious enough to be contented with nothing short of the highest rank of overseers, and persevering

1. Continuing steadfastly despite difficulties or delays.
2. Showing persistent effort and determination to achieve a goal.

enough to be contented with nothing short of the highest rank of overseers, and persevering enough to reach the height of his ambition. He was cruel enough to inflict the severest

1. Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
2. Hardened against persuasion or moral influence.

soul—and if he is not thus impressed, it will only be because “there is no flesh in his obdurate heart.” I have often been utterly astonished, since I came to the north, to find persons who

1. Rude or disrespectful behavior; lack of respect.
2. Boldness or insolence, often in speech or manner.

who could torture the slightest look, word, or gesture, on the part of the slave, into impudence, and would treat it accordingly. There must be no answering back to him; no explanation was

1. Actions or things done, especially brave or noble ones.
2. Legal documents that transfer ownership of property.

frauds—and a dark shelter under, which the darkest, foulest, grossest, and most infernal deeds of slaveholders find the strongest protection. Were I to be again reduced to the chains of

1. A muzzle-loaded, smoothbore firearm used from the 16th to 19th centuries.
2. A long gun fired from the shoulder, typically used by infantry.

or deliberation with anyone, not even giving Demby an additional call, raised his musket to his face, taking deadly aim at his standing victim, and in an instant poor Demby was no more.

1. A historical breed of large white hunting dog, now extinct.
2. A type of hound used in medieval times for tracking game.

I 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

1. A surname of English origin.
2. Slang for rural or unsophisticated people.

nights previous, did not hear the crying. They were both in the room with Mrs. Hicks. Mrs. Hicks, finding the girl slow to move, jumped from her bed, seized an oak stick of wood by the

1. Free time when one is not working or occupied.
2. Activities done for enjoyment during free time.

now much more comfortable. When I could get no calking to do, I did nothing. During these leisure times, those old notions about freedom would steal over me again. When in Mr. Gardner’s

1. A soft, wet, pulpy mass (e.g., overcooked food).
2. A thick porridge made from boiled grains.

were then called, like so many pigs, and like so many pigs they would come and devour the mush; some with oyster-shells, others with pieces of shingle, some with naked hands, and none with

1. A long, narrow container for holding food or water for animals.
2. A low point in a wave or cycle.

He that ate fastest got most; he that was strongest secured the best place; and few left the trough satisfied. I was probably between seven and eight years old when I left Colonel Lloyd’s

1. The act of leaving a place or starting a journey.
2. A deviation from a usual or expected course or standard.

son-in-law, Captain Thomas Auld. I received this information about three days before my departure. They were three of the happiest days I ever enjoyed. I spent the most part of all these three

1. A structure built along the shore for loading and unloading ships.
2. A dock or pier where vessels can moor.

arrived at Baltimore early on Sunday morning, landing at Smith’s Wharf, not far from Bowley’s Wharf. We had on board the sloop a large flock of sheep; and after aiding in driving them to the

1. A woman in a position of authority or control.
2. A woman having an extramarital sexual relationship with a married man.

it was a white face beaming with the most kindly emotions; it was the face of my new mistress, Sophia Auld. I wish I could describe the rapture that flashed through my soul as I beheld it. It

1. A person who weaves fabric or baskets.
2. A small bird known for building intricate nests.

to her marriage she had been dependent upon her own industry for a living. She was by trade a weaver; and by constant application to her business, she had been in a good degree preserved from the

1. Causing damage or harm to plants, often by disease or pests.
2. Spoiling or ruining something, making it less enjoyable or successful.

by constant application to her business, she had been in a good degree preserved from the blighting and dehumanizing effects of slavery. I was utterly astonished at her goodness. I scarcely knew

1. Greatly surprised or amazed.
2. Filled with sudden wonder or disbelief.

degree preserved from the blighting and dehumanizing effects of slavery. I was utterly astonished at her goodness. I scarcely knew how to behave towards her. She was entirely unlike any other

1. Barely; almost not at all.
2. Only just; by a very small margin.

in another. Their object in separating us was to hinder concert. We had been in jail scarcely twenty minutes, when a swarm of slave traders, and agents for slave traders, flocked into jail to

1. Bending the knees and lowering the body close to the ground.
2. Adopting a posture with the body close to the ground, often to hide or prepare for action.

accustomed to approach other white ladies. My early instruction was all out of place. The crouching servility, usually so acceptable a quality in a slave, did not answer when manifested toward her.

1. The term "nigger" is a highly offensive racial slur historically used to demean and dehumanize Black individuals. Its use is widely condemned due to its deep-rooted associations with racism, slavery, and oppression.
2. **Note:** This term is considered extremely derogatory and should not be used in any context. Respectful and inclusive language is always encouraged.

was a common saying, even among little white boys, that it was worth a half-cent to kill a “nigger,” and a half-cent to bury one.

1. To cheat or swindle someone (informal, British slang).
2. A term for a person who is untrustworthy or deceitful (informal, British slang).

over the head or shoulders, often drawing the blood. She would then say, “Take that, you black gip!” continuing, “If you don’t move faster, I’ll move you!” Added to the cruel lashings to which

1. Kind and compassionate; easily moved to sympathy or pity.
2. Sensitive and gentle in nature.

as injurious to her as it did to me. When I went there, she was a pious, warm, and tenderhearted woman. There was no sorrow or suffering for which she had not a tear. She had bread for the

1. A printed publication containing news, articles, and advertisements, usually issued daily or weekly.
2. The organization responsible for producing and distributing such a publication.

danger. I have had her rush at me with a face made all up of fury, and snatch from me a newspaper, in a manner that fully revealed her apprehension. She was an apt woman; and a little experience

1. The act of officially ending or stopping something, especially a system or practice (e.g., slavery).
2. The legal termination of a law, institution, or custom.

or did anything very wrong in the mind of a slaveholder, it was spoken of as the fruit of abolition. Hearing the word in this connection very often, I set about learning what it meant. The

1. Wood prepared for use in building or carpentry.
2. Trees or wooded land considered as a source of wood.

on the timber the name of that part of the ship for which it was intended. When a piece of timber was intended for the larboard side, it would be marked thus—“L.” When a piece was for the

1. Intense dislike or hatred.
2. Something or someone that is greatly disliked.

sent for, to be valued with the other property. Here again my feelings rose up in detestation of slavery. I had now a new conception of my degraded condition. Prior to this, I had become, if

1. Reduced in quality or value.
2. Lowered in rank or status.

have endured the privations, sufferings and horrors of slavery, without having become more degraded in the scale of humanity than the slaves of African descent. Nothing has been left undone to

1. Anxiety or fear about something in the future.
2. Understanding or grasping an idea or concept.

so. I left Baltimore with a young heart overborne with sadness, and a soul full of apprehension. I took passage with Captain Rowe, in the schooner Wild Cat, and, after a sail of about

1. A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically fore-and-aft rigged.
2. A large beer glass, usually holding around 15–20 ounces (Australia, New Zealand).

with sadness, and a soul full of apprehension. I took passage with Captain Rowe, in the schooner Wild Cat, and, after a sail of about twenty-four hours, I found myself near the place of my

1. Greatest or highest in degree, extent, or amount.
2. Of the highest or most extreme kind.

of the truths he was uttering. It gave me the best assurance that I might rely with the utmost confidence on the results which, he said, would flow from teaching me to read. What he most

1. A feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment.
2. An event or circumstance that causes sadness or grief.

is relieved by its tears. At least, such is my experience. I have often sung to drown my sorrow, but seldom to express my happiness. Crying for joy, and singing for joy, were alike uncommon to

1. Lack of gratitude or thankfulness
2. Failure to appreciate kindness or favors received

of slavery, and to fill me with unutterable loathing of slaveholders, it was their base ingratitude to my poor old grandmother. She had served my old master faithfully from youth to old age. She

1. The forehead or the ridge of hair above the eye.
2. The edge of a steep place, like a cliff.

activities performed on items that are in the public domain—so-called “sweat of the brow” work—don’t create a new copyright. That means that nobody can claim a new copyright on an item

1. A small, simple shelter or dwelling, often made of wood or other natural materials.
2. A temporary or basic structure used for camping or storage.

fast stealing over her once active limbs, they took her to the woods, built her a little hut, put up a little mud-chimney, and then made her welcome to the privilege of supporting herself

1. A wetland area with waterlogged ground, often dominated by trees and shrubs.
2. To overwhelm or flood with excessive amounts of something.

sickly sunbeams glare Through the hot and misty air:— Gone, gone, sold and gone To the rice swamp dank and lone, From Virginia hills and waters— Woe is me, my stolen daughters!” The hearth is

1. Unpleasantly damp, musty, or humid.
2. (Slang) High-quality, impressive, or excellent, often used to describe marijuana.

sunbeams glare Through the hot and misty air:— Gone, gone, sold and gone To the rice swamp dank and lone, From Virginia hills and waters— Woe is me, my stolen daughters!” The hearth is

1. A person's inherent qualities of mind and character.
2. The way something is placed or arranged.

heavenly qualities. Under its influence, the tender heart became stone, and the lamblike disposition gave way to one of tiger-like fierceness. The first step in her downward course was in her

1. Having knowledge or experience of something.
2. Familiar with someone or something.

seen little or nothing of the world. They were in very deed men and women of sorrow, and acquainted with grief. Their backs had been made familiar with the bloody lash, so that they had become

1. A nickname for the name Henry.
2. A slang term for Hennessy, a brand of cognac.

fine food. There were four slaves of us in the kitchen—my sister Eliza, my aunt Priscilla, Henny, and myself; and we were allowed less than a half of a bushel of cornmeal per week, and very

1. Devoutly religious or reverent.
2. Showing earnest devotion to a moral or spiritual principle.

Added to the natural good qualities of Mr. Covey, he was a professor of religion—a pious soul—a member and a class-leader in the Methodist church. All of this added weight to his

1. To free someone from control or oppression.
2. To legally release a child from parental authority.

in both these respects. It neither made him to be humane to his slaves, nor to emancipate them. If it had any effect on his character, it made him more cruel and hateful in all his ways;

1. A small group or flock of birds, especially partridges or quail.
2. A family or social group, often used metaphorically.

He rented the place upon which he lived, as also the hands with which he tilled it. Mr. Covey had acquired a very high reputation for breaking young slaves, and this reputation was of immense

1. Plural of ox, a large domesticated bovine animal used for labor.
2. Figuratively, people who work hard or are strong and patient.

was, entirely alone, in a thick wood, in a place new to me. My cart was upset and shattered, my oxen were entangled among the young trees, and there was none to help me. After a long spell of

1. The reflexive form of "we," referring to the speaker and others.
2. Used for emphasis to indicate "we" and no one else.

aimed at taking us by surprise. Such was his cunning, that we used to call him, among ourselves, “the snake.” When we were at work in the cornfield, he would sometimes crawl on his hands and

1. Extremely unhappy or unfortunate.
2. Of poor quality; very bad.

or vegetables. It was not enough for us to subsist upon. We were therefore reduced to the wretched necessity of living at the expense of our neighbors. This we did by begging and stealing,

1. A day of religious observance and rest, typically Sunday for Christians and Saturday for Jews.
2. A period of rest or cessation from work.

me with thoughts of my wretched condition. I have often, in the deep stillness of a summer’s Sabbath, stood all alone upon the lofty banks of that noble bay, and traced, with saddened heart and

1. Taken by force or legal authority.
2. Grasped suddenly and firmly.

stable door. He meant to knock me down. But just as he was leaning over to get the stick, I seized him with both hands by his collar, and brought him by a sudden snatch to the ground. By this

1. Hard and continuous work; laborious effort.
2. To work strenuously or laboriously.

not till then, will he fully appreciate the hardships of, and know how to sympathize with, the toil-worn and whip-scarred fugitive slave. Thank Heaven, I remained but a short time in this

1. The process of sealing gaps or joints in a structure, often with a waterproof material.
2. A variant spelling of 'caulking,' referring to the same sealing technique.

more smooth than before; my condition was now much more comfortable. When I could get no calking to do, I did nothing. During these leisure times, those old notions about freedom would steal

1. A raised platform or lectern in a church where a preacher delivers a sermon.
2. A position of authority or influence, especially in religious matters.

for church members. The man who wields the blood-clotted cowskin during the week fills the pulpit on Sunday, and claims to be a minister of the meek and lowly Jesus. The man who robs me of my

1. A person who does not belong to a widely held religion.
2. Someone regarded as uncivilized or irreligious.

whom they have not seen, whilst they hate their brother whom they have seen. They love the heathen on the other side of the globe. They can pray for him, pay money to have the Bible put into his

1. People who copy documents by hand (historically).
2. Officials who record or write official documents.

is a Christianity, of whose votaries it may be as truly said, as it was of the ancient scribes and Pharisees, “They bind heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s

1. A Jewish religious group in ancient Israel known for strict adherence to oral and written law.
2. Often depicted as hypocritical or self-righteous in the New Testament.

of whose votaries it may be as truly said, as it was of the ancient scribes and Pharisees, “They bind heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they