Lesson 12: Literature of Slavery - Twain & Douglass

What is meant by “literature of slavery”?

Literary texts that expose, critique, and testify to the reality of slavery

focusing on dehumanization, violence, resistance, and the struggle for freedom.

Why was literature important for the abolitionist movement?

It revealed the brutality of slavery to Northern readers, countering pro-slavery propaganda and appealing to moral conscience.

What is a slave narrative?

An autobiographical account written by formerly enslaved people to testify to slavery’s cruelty and affirm Black humanity.

Why is Douglass historically significant?

He became one of the most influential abolitionist voices and used his life story as proof of Black intellectual equality.

Who was Mark Twain?

An American writer and humorist (1835–1910), born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known for satire and realism.

Who was Frederick Douglass?

An enslaved-born African American writer, orator, abolitionist, and political activist (1818–1895).

Why is Douglass historically significant?

He became one of the most influential abolitionist voices and used his life story as proof of Black intellectual equality.

Why is Twain relevant to literature of slavery?

Huckleberry Finn critiques slavery and racism through moral conflict and social satire.

What literary movement is Twain usually associated with?

American Realism

When was Douglass’s Narrative published and why was it important?

1845; it became a bestseller and provided firsthand testimony against slavery.

What is Huckleberry Finn about?

A boy’s journey down the Mississippi with an enslaved man, exposing moral corruption and slavery.

Why is Huck’s narration important?

It presents moral questions without authorial judgment, forcing readers to think critically.

How does Douglass portray ignorance as oppression?

Slaveholders deliberately deny education to maintain control.

How does Douglass show dehumanization?

Enslaved people are treated as animals, property, and labor tools.

“I know nothing; the means of knowing was withheld from me.”

Douglass, Narrative (1845) — enforced ignorance as control.

“In learning to read, I owe almost as much to the bitter opposition of my master…”

Douglass, Narrative — education as resistance.

“To those songs I trace my first glimmering conception of the dehumanizing character of slavery.”

Douglass, Narrative — misunderstood slave songs.

“Men and women… were ranked with horses, sheep, and swine.”

Douglass, Narrative — human beings treated as property.

“Mr. Covey succeeded in breaking me. I was broken in body, soul, and spirit.”

Douglass, Narrative — total dehumanization.

“This battle with Mr. Covey was the turning-point in my career as a slave.”

Douglass, Narrative — reclaiming manhood.

“It was a glorious resurrection, from the tomb of slavery, to the heaven of freedom.”

Douglass, Narrative — symbolic rebirth.

How does Twain criticize slavery indirectly?

Through irony, satire, and Huck’s moral confusion.

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell.”

Twain, Huckleberry Finn (1884) — moral choice over law.

“You can’t pray a lie.”

Twain, Huckleberry Finn — truth vs. religious hypocrisy.

“They talked all about loving God… and then they would tie up a nigger and flog him.”

Twain, Huckleberry Finn — Christian hypocrisy.

“I knowed Jim was right, and I knowed he was white inside.”

Twain, Huckleberry Finn — recognition of Jim’s humanity.

Douglass vs. Twain: main difference in approach?

Douglass uses direct testimony

Twain uses fictional satire and moral irony.

What do Douglass and Twain have in common?

Both expose slavery as morally corrupt and dehumanizing.

Why are both texts central to American literature?

They shape national debates on freedom, morality, race, and human rights.

What makes Douglass’s Narrative different from earlier slave narratives?

He names real people and places and presents himself as an intellectual authority.

Why did Douglass include his portrait and signature?

To prove authorship and counter racist disbelief.