Analysis Of A Slave Narrative By Frederick Douglass

Within a slave narrative, the identity of the writer greatly affects the perspective of the story and the message that the author wishes to convey. For a narrative of this nature, to send its meaning directly and efficiently it must be able to illustrate the individual struggle of the writer as well as create a clear line between what it means to be a slave and what it means to be free. These identities of the author not only conflict with the image of self but also help to illuminate the struggles of the author. Each identity plays a part in constructing the narrative to depict both the hardships of slaves as well as the capabilities of those freed from enslavement to achieve more. Within Frederick Douglass’ narrative, he depicts both his†¦show more content†¦He signals that the change within his status is not merely physical but also emotional. This transition of mindset is important to Frederick Douglass’ narrative because it shows how he began to reshape hi s identity. Being capable of greater thought, he was able to seek his own freedom and later advocate for the freedom of thousands of other slaves. Without this change in mentality Frederick Douglass would never become the public figure he was. Frederick Douglass initially sets the perspective of his narrative by referring to his origins as a slave. He begins with the lines, â€Å"I WAS born in Tuckahoe, near Hillsborough, and about twelve miles from Easton, in Talbot county, Maryland. I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing it†. With this Frederick Douglass displays to the reader what it truly means to be born a slave, with no real knowledge of one’s own birth or parentage. He furthers this message when he says, â€Å"My mother was named Harriet Bailey. She was the daughter of Isaac and Betsey Bailey, both colored, and quite dark. My mother was of a darker complexion than either myShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave500 Words   |  2 Pages Analysis of Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave In Modern day America, the thought of slavery is horrifying. It is a dark chapter in the American history and should be fought against at all costs now. However, American used to know the reality of the atrocities that occurred on various southern plantations. Its because of slave narratives that the American people have come to realize the inhumane nature of slavery and thus, that led to political activism. 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