Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself | Reading Pointers For Sharper Insights
Reading Pointers For Sharper Insights
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While Douglass’ tale often follows autobiographical conventions, see if there are points where it may also resemble other literary forms and genres.
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The American Anti-Slavery Society originally published Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass in 1845. In what ways might publication of the work have worked as a catalyst for the society’s cause of abolition?
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Throughout the book, Douglass reminds his readers of the role of ignorance in successful slave operations. Consider the ways with which white slaveholders maintained their slaves’ ignorance.
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While the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass focuses on Douglass’ own reactions and feelings about slavery, one may also note the effects slavery has on slaveholders.
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Douglass seems to make a point about the religion of his owners and fellow slaves. Examine the ways which Douglass presents slaveholding as a perversion of Christianity.
Examine the roles of one or more of the following symbols and motifs found in the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Consider the ways each symbol or motif evolves in the course of the book:
female slaves as victims and symbols of the unnaturalness of slavery
the white-sailed ships of the Chesapeake Bay as symbols of freedom and spirituality
both Baltimore and New York City as contrasts to the rural life; reflect on the ways slaves are treated in the city as compared to in the country.
New Bedford, Massachusetts, as Douglass’ exception to the rule that proposes economic arguments to defend the use of slavery
Sandy Jenkins’ magical root as a symbol of African approaches to religion and hope; in particular, examine the ways Douglass responds to the root both explicitly (his footnote) and implicitly (his actions)
The Columbian Orator as a symbol of the power of the written and spoken word to change and influence human rights
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- - For teachers, the Narrative of the Life of Frederick... Lesson Plan.
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