The Slave Narrative Definition and Purpose Themes Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Defining Slave Narratives Slave narratives can be defined as the personal experiences of slaves before and after the Civil War (1865) Generally they include the experiences of African- Americans who have escaped from slavery

Purpose of Slave Narratives  Attempted to arouse sympathy of readers in order to promote humanitarianism  Emphasized traditional Christian religious ideas  Showed acceptance of the ideals of dominant whites  Emphasized the cruelty of slave owners  Targeted white audiences

Influences on Slave Narratives  The King James Bible  New England Sermonizing Traditions  Abolitionist Orators  Devotional Books: Spirituals encouraged people who were harboring slaves to free them in order to become a better people

Reasons for Popularity  Scenes of horror which gratified the popular appetite for literature  Religious influence illustrating ways people got closer to God  Interesting descriptions of life in the South  Propaganda

The Format of the Slave Narrative  Plot includes struggle for survival and transition into the promise land  Birth, death, and being resurrected  Body participates in a spiritual death

Elements of a Slave Narrative  Loss of Innocence: Awareness of what it means to be a slave  Realization of alternatives to bondage and the determination to be free  The Escape  Freedom Obtained Question #2: How do these elements work to communicate important messages to whites?

Themes  Exposure to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse  Comparison of slaves to other forms of life (ex. Cattle, pigs)  Determination to write and read  Vignettes of other characters succeeding and failing  Includes the loss of family members and the destruction of family ties

Themes (Continued)  Imaginary Audiences Question #3: Why do you think slave narratives or narratives in general are an important part of American history? (7-10 Sentences)`

Frederick Douglass Life as a Slave Awareness and Education Escape Activism

Life as a Slave Douglass’s narrative appeals to the human emotion (PATHOS) in his descriptive account of the slave experience. Includes vivid descriptions of physical and emotional abuse Captures scenes of life on the plantation Makes reference to the destruction of family ties

Education/Awareness Slaves were prevented from obtaining an education The awareness of education gave a slave freedoms limited by society Douglass’s education forced him to become more aware of the limitations placed on him by slavery

ESCAPE Douglass’s frustration with the slave system intensified with his education Douglass’s educational knowledge contributed to his desire to escape slavery

ACTIVISM After his escape, Douglass worked to abolish slavery Douglass published an abolitionist paper called the North Star He spoke publicly about the flaws of slavery Worked for the Underground Railroad Recruited soldiers for Civil War to fight for equal treatment of blacks

Reflection ONE PAGE How does slavery serve as a contradiction to America’s values? Identify at least THREE specific American values. Refer to your “values survey” for assistance.