Even if you are not “quoting” but just paraphrasing or summarizing what an author writes, you must still provide a citation.  For example, Douglass described the living conditions in the cabins as cold and dirty (17).

QUESTION

Even if you are not “quoting” but just paraphrasing or summarizing what an author writes, you must still provide a citation.  For example,

Douglass described the living conditions in the cabins as cold and dirty (17).

Discussion Questions about The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Do not skip the Introduction, but you can skim it.  It was written by a white person to offer his support for Frederick Douglass as a witness to slavery.  Nearly all slave narratives have similar testimonials by white people to authorize the formerly enslaved person’s text as authentic.  In this case, Douglass happened to be highly literate, so he wrote his own story (so far as we know, with little editing).

1. Who was William Lloyd Garrison?  Explain who this person was in terms of American history in the 1840s and 1850s. Look him up.
2. Who is the intended audience for the Introduction – primarily whites or African Americans (slave or free?).  Explain your answer.
3. What human rights do slaves possess, according to Garrison?

In the actual Narrative, I want you to discover a few things:

1. How were women, children, and the elderly treated?  Find three times in the text where Douglass discusses these topics.  Quote or paraphrase from those descriptions in Douglass’ narrative. Cite where the information comes from.
2. How did slavery corrupt white people, according to Douglass?  Give at least one specific example from the book.  Quote from it, using MLA citation.
3. What techniques were used to control slaves and to keep them compliant?  What were the non-violent means of control?  From reading this narrative, does it appear that African Americans readily accepted their role as slaves?  Give evidence with citations from this book to back up your position.
4. How were slaves treated during the Christmasholidays?  How does Douglass think this treatment added to the mental enslavement of the African Americans?
5. What issue is Douglass addressing in the book’s Appendix?  Summarize his main point in your own words (3-5 sentences)

ANSWER

William Lloyd Garrison was an influential American abolitionist and social reformer during the 1840s and 1850s. He was the founder of the American Anti-Slavery Society and played a crucial role in advocating for the immediate emancipation of slaves. Garrison was known for his uncompromising stance against slavery and his dedication to promoting racial equality. He used his platform as an editor of the abolitionist newspaper “The Liberator” to rally support for the abolitionist cause and challenge the existing social and political structures that upheld slavery.

The intended audience for the Introduction of “The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” is primarily white individuals. The Introduction was written by a white person, who, as mentioned, aimed to offer support for Frederick Douglass as a credible witness to the realities of slavery. The inclusion of testimonials by white individuals was a common practice in slave narratives to lend legitimacy to the accounts of formerly enslaved individuals. These testimonials were intended to appeal to white readers and convince them of the authenticity and significance of the narratives. Therefore, the Introduction of Douglass’s narrative was primarily targeted towards white readers, including both abolitionists and those who may have been indifferent or even supportive of slavery.

 Treatment of Women, Children, and the Elderly

To explore how these vulnerable groups were treated, you can examine the experiences shared by Frederick Douglass in his narrative. Look for instances where he discusses the treatment of women, children, and the elderly. Pay attention to their living conditions, working conditions, physical abuse, separation from family members, or any other forms of mistreatment. To find specific examples, refer to different chapters or sections of the book and look for passages that describe these experiences.

 Corruption of White People

According to Frederick Douglass, slavery not only affected the lives of enslaved individuals but also corrupted white people. Slavery created a power dynamic that allowed white slaveholders to exercise control over their slaves, which, in turn, dehumanized both the enslaved individuals and the slaveholders themselves. One example of how slavery corrupted white people can be found in Douglass’s observations of slaveholders’ behavior, their sense of entitlement, and their acts of violence or sexual exploitation towards enslaved individuals. By examining different sections of the narrative, you can find specific examples that illustrate this corruption.

 Techniques of Control and Acceptance of Slavery

In the narrative, Douglass discusses various techniques used to control slaves and maintain their compliance. These techniques include physical punishment, strict surveillance, psychological manipulation, and the denial of education and knowledge. Non-violent means of control may include the enforcement of strict rules, restrictions on movement, and the threat of separation from family members. To analyze whether African Americans readily accepted their role as slaves, look for instances where Douglass reflects on the slaves’ mindset, their resistance or submission, and any discussions about their desire for freedom.

Treatment During Christmas Holidays and Mental Enslavement

Explore passages in the narrative that describe how slaves were treated during the Christmas holidays. Douglass may discuss the temporary relaxation of work, the provision of special food or privileges, or any other aspects related to their treatment during this time. Consider how Douglass connects this treatment to the mental enslavement of African Americans. Look for his insights into how these seemingly benevolent gestures during the holidays served to reinforce their subjugation and control.

 The Issue Addressed in the Appendix

In the book’s Appendix, Frederick Douglass addresses the impact of Christianity and religious hypocrisy on the institution of slavery. He argues against the pro-slavery interpretation of Christianity and highlights the contradictions between the teachings of Christianity and the practice of slavery. His main point is to challenge the religious justifications provided by slaveholders and to advocate for a more authentic interpretation of Christianity that upholds the principles of equality and freedom.