Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave – Written by Himself
Socratic Seminar Questions for Consideration
Effects of Slavery
What were the effects of slavery as shown by the narratives – on both black and white? Why was it important to show the effects on both? How do these effects contribute to the overall message/purpose of the narratives?
Comparison of Narratives: Douglass vs. Jacobs
What were some of the similarities and differences in the narratives written by Douglass and Jacobs? How did gender influence? How did overall author purpose influence? How did intended/target audience influence?
Role of Religion
What role did religion play in the lives of slaves? What commentary was made about slaveholders and religion? Why was religion mentioned so frequently throughout the narratives?
Methods of Control
What were the methods of control used by slaveholders in order to dominate and manipulate the slaves? What was revealed about slaves’ experiences? What was revealed about slaveholders’ perceptions of slaves and of slaveholders’ perceptions of themselves in relation to the slaves?
“The fatal poison of irresponsible power”
What does Douglass mean by labeling slavery as “the fatal poison of irresponsible power”? How has this poison leaked into and contaminated our present-day society?
Motivations and Power
Jacobs concludes Chapter XV with the following, “I had my secret hopes; but I must fight my battle alone. I had a woman’s pride, and a mother’s love for my children; and I resolved that out of the darkness of this hour a brighter dawn should arise for them. My master had power and law on his side; I had a determined will. There is might in each.” Douglass concludes his appendix with his hope that his book might help to “hasten[] the glad day of deliverance to the millions of my brethren in bonds – faithfully relying upon the power of truth, love, and justice, for success in my humble efforts…” Who has more “might” – slaveholders or slaves? What perpetuated the practices of slavery? Were the motivations of slaves more powerful than the forces that perpetuated the practices of slavery?