PSAT Reading Question 449: Answer and Explanation

Question: 449

It can reasonably be inferred from lines 24–26 that Frederick Douglass

• A. was disappointed in his mother's lack of affection toward him.
• B. was conditioned to feel little emotion toward his mother.
• C. understands the true reason for the separation from his mother.
• D. feels that the lack of his mother in his life hindered his intellectual development.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) In these lines, Douglass describes the effects of taking mothers from their children under institutionalized slavery. He concludes that this tendency impeded the child's affection and curtailed the mother's nurturing. Hence, choice (B) is correct. Although Douglass may have wished for a better relationship with his mother, he seems quite fond of, rather than disappointed by, her commitment to seeing him whenever possible. Choice (C) is appealing, but Douglass says himself that he can't be sure why. He doesn't discuss his intellectual development, eliminating choice (D).