Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Douglass says that Master Hugh sometimes gives him a small portion of his own earnings to encourage him. What effect does Hugh's gesture have on Douglass? What motive does douglass attribute to master Hugh's "generosity"?

Chapter 11

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The deal was that Douglass could find work but pay Master Hugh three dollars a week and cover his own food, room, calking tools, and clothing. This arrangement favored Master Hugh because "it relieved him of the need of looking after me. His money was sure. He received all of the benefits of slaveholding without its evils; while I endured all of the evils of a slave, and suffered all the care and anxiety of a free man."

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http://www.gradesaver.com/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave-written-by-himself/study-guide/summary-chapter-xi-and-appendix