Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (Masterplots II: African American Literature Series)
At a glance:
- Author: Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey
- First Published: 1845
- Type of Work: Autobiography/slave narrative
- Time of Work: c. 1817–1841
- Setting: Maryland and Massachusetts
- Principal Characters: Frederick Bailey, Harriet Bailey, Betsey Bailey, Aaron Anthony, Thomas Auld, Hugh Auld
- Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography
- Subjects: African Americans, Freedom, Blacks, Abused persons, Biracial people, Abolitionists, Authors or writers, Escapes, Slavery or slaves, Violence, Civil War, Reading, Public speaking
- Locales: Maryland, Massachusetts
Form and Content
In 1841, three years after Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery, he launched his career as an abolitionist. In Nantucket, Massachusetts, he spoke for the first time about his slave experiences before a white audience. Before that, he had told his story only to black gatherings. So impressive was his account that he was hired as a full-time antislavery lecturer by the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society.
By 1844, the society was becoming increasingly disturbed that many were doubting Douglass’ authenticity. His critics saw him as being too refined and...
[The entire page is 2634 words long]
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- Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (Masterplots, Revised Second Edition)
See Also:
Frederick Douglass (Censorship)Frederick Douglass (Dictionary of World Biography)Frederick Douglass (Cyclopedia of World Authors)Frederick Douglass (Identities and Issues)
See Also:
- - Read the Narrative of the Life of Frederick... text online.
- - For teachers, the Narrative of the Life of Frederick... Lesson Plan.
- - Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself summary and study guide in the eNotes.
