Part A

Read these sentences from Paragraph 2 of the passage.

These words sank deep into my heart, stirred up sentiments within that lay slumbering, and called into existence an entirely new train of thought. It was a new and special revelation, explaining dark and mysterious things, with which my youthful understanding had struggled, but struggled in vain. I now understood what had been to me a most perplexing difficulty—….

Which definition best expresses the connotative meaning of the word youthful as the author uses it in the second sentence?

brand new

sensible

active

ignorant

Part B

What effect does the author's use of the word youthful have on the meaning of this passage?

It shows that Douglass's new awareness of how owners maintain control over slaves allows him to better understand how to improve his situation.

It shows that Douglass's youth makes him more courageous than he might otherwise have been.

It shows that Douglass knows that he is too young to know what is best for him.

It shows that Mr. Auld is able to manipulate Douglass into obeying his orders by taking advantage of his good nature and lack of experience in life.