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Title: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave
Author: Frederick Douglass
Age level: High School
Recommended by: Lynn Lemmon, Palm Harbor University High School, Florida Summary:
Written shortly after his escape from slavery, this autobiographical account takes the reader from Douglass' childhood on a plantation outside of Baltimore, through his middle childhood in Baltimore, to his freedom in New England. Not only does it detail the extreme abuses of slavery, but it presents the reader with a moving example of what determination and education can do for even the most disadvantaged human beings.
Teaching suggestions:
An understanding of slavery as an economic system is a must before beginning reading. Have students research slavery, along with the abolitionist movement in the United States. To guard against redundant information, assign particular aspects of the topic, such as living conditions, marriage and children, and religion to pairs or groups of students. Have students share their findings with their classmates. During reading, have students chart Douglass' movements in and around Baltimore and from Baltimore to the North. Throughout his tale, Douglass makes profound statements which can be generalized to readers' experiences, including allusions to the negative effects of slavery upon the slaveholder and the power of reading and writing in reaching one's goals. Have students write personal responses to these statements in their journals, then share them. At the end of the reading, invite a member of the local historical society to present information on the local community's stance on slavery.
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