In 1847, Frederick Douglass initially hesitated to establish his newspaper The North Star, uncertain whether such an ambitious venture would...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In 1847, Frederick Douglass initially hesitated to establish his newspaper The North Star, uncertain whether such an ambitious venture would succeed. However, as opposition to his plans intensified, Douglass discovered that resistance only strengthened his determination to proceed: ______
Which excerpt from Douglass's correspondence most effectively illustrates this transformation?
'The harsh criticism from former allies has shown me that we cannot rely on others' approval—we must forge our own path in the press.'
'Each attempt to discourage our newspaper venture has only confirmed my conviction that such opposition proves the necessity of our independent voice.'
'Where I once questioned the wisdom of this undertaking, the fierce resistance we have encountered has convinced me of its vital importance to our cause.'
'Though many seek to dissuade us from this course, their very efforts to silence us demonstrate why we must speak all the louder.'
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In 1847, Frederick Douglass initially hesitated to establish his newspaper The North Star, uncertain whether such an ambitious venture would succeed.' |
|
| 'However, as opposition to his plans intensified, Douglass discovered that resistance only strengthened his determination to proceed:' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Frederick Douglass's initial hesitation about starting his newspaper was transformed into stronger determination when he faced opposition to his plans.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a psychological transformation where Douglass began uncertain about his newspaper venture, but when others opposed his plans, that very resistance paradoxically strengthened his resolve to move forward.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct choice needs to show three key elements that match the passage's transformation:
- Some reference to Douglass's initial hesitation or uncertainty
- Recognition of the opposition or resistance he faced
- How that opposition specifically strengthened his determination to proceed
'The harsh criticism from former allies has shown me that we cannot rely on others' approval—we must forge our own path in the press.'
✗ Incorrect
- Shows response to criticism and determination to be independent
- Missing the initial hesitation element
- Doesn't show the transformation from uncertainty
'Each attempt to discourage our newspaper venture has only confirmed my conviction that such opposition proves the necessity of our independent voice.'
✗ Incorrect
- Shows how opposition confirms conviction about necessity
- Missing the transformation aspect
- Suggests conviction was already there
'Where I once questioned the wisdom of this undertaking, the fierce resistance we have encountered has convinced me of its vital importance to our cause.'
✓ Correct
- Contains 'Where I once questioned' showing initial hesitation phase
- 'Fierce resistance we have encountered' showing the opposition
- 'Has convinced me of its vital importance' showing opposition strengthening determination
- This perfectly mirrors the transformation described
'Though many seek to dissuade us from this course, their very efforts to silence us demonstrate why we must speak all the louder.'
✗ Incorrect
- Shows determination to speak louder despite opposition
- Missing the initial hesitation
- Presents someone already determined