WHAT IS THE POWER OF THE PERSONAL STORY?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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?