GENERAL Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: an American Slave. Boston: Anti-Slavery Office, 1845. Narrative
STRUCTURE
Point of View: First Person
Relationship of POV to meaning: by writing the story in first person the author is able to establish a connection with the reader by emphasizing the emotions that he went through while being a slave and his life after escaping and gaining freedom. This point of view also lets his personality shine throughout the narrative as he looks back to his past and reflexes over the decisions he made.
Plot Structures
Exposition
The book begins with Frederick Douglass introducing the reader to his life as a child. He expands on his thoughts while trying to understand the world
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After Douglass overheard their conversation he understood the importance of literacy and decided to learn by other means and eventually escape slavery.
Events contributing to rising action
With the help of the children that lived close to the plantation he learned how to read and write.
Douglass is sent to Mr Covey, the “slave breaker” after talking back to his old master and the harsh conditions and cruelness of Covey makes him lose his desire to learn and forget about leaving.
After getting sick and being beaten by Mr Covey, Douglass decides to go to St Michael to tell his master how barbarous is Mr Covey with his slaves.
Climax (crisis/turning point)
Frederick Douglass stands up to Mr Covey when he’s sent back by his master and Covey tries to beat him up again. After the fight he decides that he won't ever let anyone go over him, and from this point forward, he’s determined to escape and to live a better life than the one of a slave.
Event contributing to falling