Frederick Douglass Book Report

Overall the book Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass was interesting to read, it would be a captivating read for students, as it gave a prominent insight on slave life and life in Maryland, other Southern states, and Northern states also differences between the states . The author gave themes that could teach students on the time period of the story that could be used , that could be applied to situations and ignorance as a tool of power , Christianity as an excuse for the enslavement of people, and education is the key towards independence throughout the book. These themes throughout the whole book did reflect a depiction of the history of enslavement around the 1800s, also the description of how slavery affected people ( slaveholders)

Early on in the book, Douglass mentioned that he was separated from his mother at a young age and stated, “ It was a common custom ...to part children away from their mothers at a very early age ... For what this separation is done, I do not know, unless it be to hinder development of the child's affection towards its mother, and to blunt and destroy the natural affection of the mother for the child.” (page 20) . Frederick noted that early on, young children born into slavery were separated from their mothers consequently, destroying a connection between the pair , feeling as if he was saying that early on slavery destroys a part of being human, and that was emotional connections with others . He provided readers with even the smallest details like how much food they received ,the type of clothing they wore, living conditions . Douglass slaves were deemed as property, they were ranked alongside with the farm animals ;another example was a slaveholder of the name Mr. Covey, he bought a female slave since he was not wealthy and used that woman as a breeder as if she was a farm animal. The author depicted how slaves did not have their own thoughts, they . Douglass wrote, “ ...slaves were inquired of as to their condition and the character of their masters, almost universally say they are contented, and that their

The author could have added more detail to his experience being enslaved in the past on the other hand, he did explain in the book that he did not want to risk the freedom of other slaves or resulting in the slaveholders being more controlling and cautious of the slaves. My reason for wanting Douglass to give full detail of his escape or more of his thoughts and emotions during the events, as it did feel that certain things were missing through the story . Understandable what Douglass intended again, he did give readers an insight of how slaves lived, give riveting topics for students to discuss in classes best suited for history and english classes for those in middle school to high school but for those in college it maybe be suited for their classes and may be compatible with their major. By reading the books people learn as well as compare and contrast the present and