Question

guided practice
read this passage from my bondage and my freedom.
when i went into their family, it was the abode of happiness and contentment. the mistress of the house was a model of affection and tenderness. her fervent piety and watchful uprightness made it impossible to see her without thinking and feeling—\that woman is a christian.\ there was no sorrow nor suffering for which she had not a tear, and there was no innocent joy for which she did not a smile. she had bread for the hungry, clothes for the naked, and comfort for every mourner that came within her reach. slavery soon proved its ability to divest her of these excellent qualities, and her home of its early happiness.
what contrast is douglass making?
a. he is contrasting his mistress before and after her experience as a slave owner.
b. he is contrasting happiness and suffering.
c. he is contrasting the way women and men behave.
d. he is contrasting the way christians and non - christians treat slaves in the town.

Explanation:

The passage first describes the mistress as a model of affection, piety, and kindness, then states that slavery stripped her of these positive qualities and took away her home's early happiness. This directly contrasts her character before and after becoming a slave owner. The other options are incorrect: the text does not focus on general happiness vs suffering, gender behavior differences, or Christian vs non-Christian treatment of slaves.

Answer:

A. He is contrasting his mistress before and after her experience as a slave owner.