Summary Of Narrative By Frederick Douglass

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In Frederick Douglass’ Narrative, Douglass narrates the book himself by using story telling throughout. He accomplishes bringing the reader and theme into more of a direct light. Throughout his narration, Douglass uses many narrative strategies such as: story telling, plot twists throughout, and anecdotes. He exceeds to effectively defend the equal rights of all African American slaves. Douglass was a slave in Maryland assumed to be born in 1818. He was separated from his mother at birth and with even with this narration being true, Douglass continuously makes the story interesting and appealing to all audiences. One of the most effective ways Douglass is able to communicate with his audience is through story telling. He often includes stories …show more content…

When beginning this narrative, the readers are not quite sure where he is taking them. Many narrative writers will begin to give away the story early on with their use of foreshadowing. However, Douglass continuously keeps the reader involved and requires his audience to think a little. For example, when Douglass moves into the Auld house, there is no warning or hint to display that this is the next action in his book. He begins the fourth paragraph in chapter five by stating, “I was probably between seven and eight years old when I left Colonel Lloyd’s plantation. (Douglass 60)” On the other hand, Douglass has a powerful usage of emotion throughout his narrative. His specific use of emotion, tone, and word choice allows his audience to feel more interactive in defending his position of African Americans deserving equal rights. For example, “ We had been in jail scarcely twenty minutes, when a swarm of slave traders, and agents for slave traders, flocked into jail to look at us, and to ascertain if we were for sale. (Douglass 101)” His tone of uncertainty and word choice help his readers clearly depict how these slaves felt. Douglass describes the slaves as cattle for trade and how they have little to no value in this world. His emotion shows how unequal these slaves were treated and why this encourages Douglass to fight more for his freedom. Douglass’ use of plot twists, emotion, tone, and word choice help keep the audience involved and interactive throughout the whole