Re-read this excerpt from "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave":

Question

If I was in separate room any consider length of time, I was sure to be suspected of having a book, and was at once called to give an account of myself. All this, however, was too late. The first step had been taken. Mistress, in teaching me the alphabet, had given me the inch, and no precaution could prevent me from taking the ell.

The reader can infer that -

Question 4 options:

Douglass never learned to read and write beyond the basic alphabet

being able to read and write was a crucial skill that Douglass needed to gain his freedom

being able to read and write made the other slaves resentful of Douglass

Douglass wished the Mistress never taught him how to read and write

Answer 1

The correct inference from the excerpt is:

being able to read and write was a crucial skill that Douglass needed to gain his freedom.

In this context, Douglass reflects on how learning the alphabet opened the door to further education and understanding, which ultimately contributed to his desire for freedom and empowerment.