Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave
Themes Ignorance as a tool of slavery. Victimization of female slaves. Freedom in the city.
Symbolism White-sailed ships: Freedom from slavery. Freedom that comes with spiritualism.
Symbolism Sandy’s root: Traditional African approach to religion and belief.
Symbolism The Columbian Orator: Human rights, power of eloquence and articulation.
Setting Eastern shore of Maryland; Baltimore; New York City; New Bedford; Massachusetts.
Tidbits Autobiography; slave narration Bildungsroman First person point of view. Tone: ironic, emotionally overcome.
Conflict Douglass struggles to free himself mentally and physically from slavery.
Climax Decides to fight back against brutal beatings.