chapter 1-2 narrative of the life of fredrick douglass

Fredrick Douglass

African american slave that was seperated from his mother at a young age.

Harriet Bailey

Mother of Fredrick Douglass, african american slave who was seperated from him when he was young.

Anthony / Captain Anthony

Fredrick Douglass’s first master / Had the nickname “Captain” infront of his real name. Was not considered a rich slave owner.

Mr. Plummer

The cruel overseer of the farm and slaves of Fredrick Douglass’ first master, Captain Anthony. Described as so cruel even Anthony would have to correct him sometimes. 

1818

The year that the time book is set. This is important because it pertains to why Fredrick was a slave and how it was common for a white man/person to own African American slaves. 

Maryland

For the first chapter, Fredrick describes being born and raised in maryland on a farm where he is a slave. This is important because its his birth place and where he is for a big portion of the novel.

being an enslaved person - conflict 1

One of the biggest conflicts in the first chapter is the fact that Fredrick is a slave. This means he isn’t seen as a person and is treated much worse than someone who is considered a higher rank.

Conflict 2 - Lack of education

Another reason that fredrick douglass struggles with freedom is the lack of education he recieves as a slave. He isn’t taught about rights, or how to read or write, so he is unable to notice and catch onto the injustice originally until taught to read.

Theme - Freedom

Freedom feels like a very important and reoccuring theme within the first two chapters of The Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass, as it is one of the major things that he both can’t and doesn’t have, which makes him aim to strive for it. 

Plot 1

Fredrick douglass is born in Maryland as an enslaved person. He has a white father, and a black mother — and is taught to read by his owner’s wife.

Plot 2

Fredrick describes how slave owners often treat their slaves terribly, and that there are certain slave owners who are much more harsh than the others.

Plot 3

Fredrick recalls his first owner, Captain Anthony. He also recalls his owner’s overseer, Mr. Plummer - a harsh man. It is here that he also recalls witnessing Mr Plummer both frequently and violently whipping his Aunt. He marks this moment as the moment he realizes how harsh slavery truly is.

Plot 4 

Fredrick next describes the plantation that he works on. It sells multiple crops, and the actual owner of the plantation had enslaved around 300-400 people. 

Plot 5

Douglass describes growing up on the central plantation, referred to as the “Great House Farm.” - it resembles a small village. He tells how other enslaved people feel entitled to be able to go there.

Plot 6

Fredrick describes how while on their way to the “Great House Farm”, enslaved people sing songs that are described as rude and incoherent. He later finds out that the songs are a bitter complaint about slavery, and that it saddens him to hear those songs.