1. WHAT IS THE POWER OF THE PERSONAL STORY?

2. Notes: The Slave Narrative
An Introduction to
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

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

4. 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
Narratives became virtual testaments in the hands of abolitionists proclaiming the antislavery gospel during the antebellum era in the United States

5. 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
Exposed the inhumanity of the slave system
Truth/authenticity: proving both the credibility of the personal account and its representative quality for the treatment of slaves in general
Gave evidence of the humanity of the African American, esp. the intellectual equalities and capacities of African Americans
Importance of the narrative as evidence of intellectual acumen

6. Timeline of Slave Narratives
Loss of Innocence: Awareness of what it means to be a slave
Realization of alternatives to bondage: The determination to be free
The Escape
Freedom Obtained

7. Themes/Motifs Exposure to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
Dehumanization: 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

8. Preface AND Letter from Wendell Phillips
You will look at the excerpts from the Preface, annotate, and answer the questions.
Then you will read the letter and identify three main sections.

9. Preface Questions
Why is Frederick Douglass nervous to speak in front of the audience at the convention?
Who is Douglass compared to and what allusion reference is being made?
Some people claim that Africans that were brought to American were better off. This story reflects this thought, but with a twist. What is the twist?
What is the purpose of this story? What is Garrison trying to prove with this story?