Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass chapters 1-2

Frederick Douglass

He seems to be ambitious. Some physical traits are that he’s black, and in 1853 is around seventeen.

Plummer

Plummer was an overseer, miserable drunkard, a profane swearer, and savage towards the slaves. He was armed with a heavy cudgel.

Harriet Bailey

Is Frederick Dougleses mother. She is very dark, and at the time of her death was ill.

Aunt Hester

Was one of the other slaves on the plantation. Was known to look good from everyone. 

Talbot county, Maryland

Frederick was born in Talbot County, Maryland. This leads him to become a slave by birth. This leads to many traumatic experiences that helped shape him

Early 1800’s

Since he grew up in this time, it means that there is a lot of tension between the North and the South. It was also the time before the civil war meaning he still is a slave

Aunt Hester being hit

Aunt Hester was being hit by the cow head because she went against her master’s orders and met up with another slave. This is a man vs man conflict. Eventually, he stopped beating her but was still mad.

Themes

One theme in the first two chapters is the loss of identity. One example of this is the fact that he doesn’t even know his own age. He was also denied the chance to grow up with his mom and didn’t know anything about his dad other than he was white.

Frederick Douglass being separated from his mom

If he grew up and knew his parents, he could have turned out differently. It sits up the story and potentially changes his future.

When Anthony whipped someone in front of him

Frederick was young at the time and was a clear memory to him. This conflict changed him and show him the injust

Rumors about his father

Douglass suspects his father is a white man, possibly a master. This introduces the strong holders exploitation

Description of the plantation

Douglass describes the conditions on Colonel Lloyd’s plantation including treatment of slaves. This helps show the systemic nature of slavery.

Slaves singing on the way to the great house farm

Douglass reflects on how slaves sing out of sorrow. This reveals the deep suffering behind forced labor. It shows misunderstood expressions of sorrow.

Frederick not knowing his birthday

Douglass opens the narrative by stating he does not know his exact age. It shows how slavery strips individuals of personal identity and basic human rights. It shows how Family separation has an effect