The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (Chapters 1-2)

Who is Frederick Douglass?

The narrator; smart, curious, denied identity

Who is Harriet Bailey?

Douglass’s mother; separated from him, rarely saw him

Who is Captain Anthony?

Douglass’s first master; cruel, possibly his father

Who is Mr. Plummer?

Violent overseer; drunk and abusive

When does the story take place?

Early 1800s; height of slavery

Where is the setting?

Maryland plantation; shows harsh slave life

What is Douglass’s personal conflict?

He doesn’t know his age or parents

What external conflict appears?

Slaves face constant violence

What theme is introduced?

Slavery dehumanizes people

What’s important about Douglass not knowing his birthday?

Shows loss of identity

What happened to Douglass as a baby?

Separated from his mother

How did his mother see him?

Secretly, at night; very rare

What was his reaction?

Felt little — barely knew her

What was his master’s plantation like?

Violent and cruel; typical of slavery

What impact did this event have?

First trauma; revealed slavery’s brutality