One of the most impactful texts of the abolitionist movement, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is a first-person account of one African American man's unthinkable journey from slavery to independence in the 19th century. To help students better understand the context in which Frederick Douglass's narrative is written, teachers should discuss slavery in America (the Underground Railroad, the Fugitive Slave Acts, the abolitionist movement, slave codes, etc.) prior to the assignment of reading from the text. Once students have a firm understanding of the history, the narrative will reinforce and actualize all they have learned.
As a nonfiction work, the narrative can be taught as a historical text, an autobiography, and/or an example of persuasive rhetoric. In what ways does Douglass appeal to his readers? How does his writing aim to persuade individuals to join the abolitionist movement? Students should consider which scenes conjure the greatest amount of sympathy in readers and why.
Teachers can also discuss Douglass's value for education and literacy—how does Douglass's education aid in his escape from and life after slavery? Do educated individuals have an advantage in today's society also? Students will recognize the shift in Douglass's self-esteem as he learns to read—he gains a sense of self-respect and racial pride, despite his harrowing circumstances. How has America's understanding of humanity changed since Douglass's time? In what ways can America's efforts for equality (for any people) still be improved?
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
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Summary of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Key Facts
- Publication Date: 1845
- Length: 96 pages
- Lexile Measure: 1040
- Recommended Grade Band: 9-11
In his autobiography, Frederick Douglass relays a first-person account of the horrific discrimination and torment African American slaves faced during the 1800s. The narrative follows Douglass as he serves a number of different owners—each cruel in his own way—and pursues an education. Douglass's longing for freedom leads to his eventual escape from captivity and his later involvement in the abolitionist movement.
Content Warning: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass contains violence and the use of racial slurs.
What Your Students Will Love About Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
- The honesty and detailed reality of Douglass's narrative
- Learning about an important part of American history
Potential Student Struggles With Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
- The advanced vocabulary
- Dealing with the harsh realities of our country's past
Learning Objectives for Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
- Trace Douglass's thirst for knowledge and discuss how the acquisition of this knowledge impacts his quest for freedom.
- Define persuasive writing and examine the appeals Douglass makes to gain support for the abolitionist movement.
- Identify the ways Douglass's literacy provided him with an advantage over other slaves.
- Observe Douglass's acceptance of the Christian faith, and his disdain for Christian slaveholders' hypocrisy.
- Discuss the differences between slavery on plantations and slavery in the city.
- Compare Douglass's expectations of life in the North with his actual experiences there.
- Reflect on the philosophical and ethical questions concerning slavery.
Literary Elements in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
- Allusion
- Apostrophe
- Autobiography
- Personification
- Persuasive Writing
- Pun
- Sarcasm
- Simile
- Superstition
- And more!
Major Themes in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Freedom — After dreaming of freedom his entire life, Frederick Douglass makes his fantasies a reality when he finally flees captivity and escapes to the North.
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Education — Douglass recognizes that education is a powerful instrument in the acquisition of freedom and independence.
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Religion — Throughout the Narrative, Douglass repeatedly points out the hypocrisy of slave owners who claim to be Christian, saying that the very act of owning slaves goes against Christian morality.
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Other Resources for Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
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This free guide was originally posted in January 2018. It has been updated as of February 2020.