Narrative of Frederick Douglass

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Mr. Hopkins

An overseer who was different from the previous cruel man- he seemed to take no pleasure in whipping or punishment. This is important as Douglass included this in the narrative to show how not all overseers were complete evil, but seemed to have a heart. This seems to give him an optimistic outlook for a short amount of time.

Mr. Plummer

first overseer, known to be cruel and ruthless. The cruelty that Frederick witnessed may have been motivation behind his work, as well as fighting back. 

Frederick Douglass

An observant protagonist born into slavery, Douglass is surrounded by cruelty and sadness. His relationship with his mother was cut off shortly after it began, making his outlook on life skewed as someone without a maternal figure.

Frederick’s mother

she travels to see him on foot, after a hard day’s work, knowing she could be penalized for not being there at sunrise. Though she doesn’t visit Frederick often, this still shows that she is a caring woman who values others. She spent time with him even when difficult, meaning she valued their relationship, though small.

The woods outside the plantation

This is where people sang of their woes, heavily impacting Douglass’ outlook on slavery and life, though he didn’t understand at first.

plantation in Easton

This is where Frederick resided for two years and witnessed the cruelty of slavery for the first time. This shapes his character and his relation to the people around him.

man vs man

When Aunt Hester is beat by the overseer, she slowly stops screaming, as she realizes screaming only gets her whipped more. This lack of control creates tension as slaves are beat.

man vs nature

Frederick’s mother fights illness, eventually losing. This is a man vs nature conflict which is resolved, as his mother succumbed to illness.

theme- prejudice and cruelty

So far, the main idea of prejudice and racism is heavily present, as this is what Frederick grows up around. He begins his narrative by talking about what he endured as a child, so far the theme seems to be bias, prejudice, or cruelty, as these are causing a lot of traumatic memories of people getting beat and enslaved.

plot- Frederick is separated from his mother at birth

This shapes the personality of the slaves to not have an affectionate relationship or feel comfort or safety in having a mother. This messes with the feeling of safety and control that many wish to have, and could lead to resentment.

plot- Douglass hides in the closet

As a slave is beat, Douglass is afraid and hides in a closet to block out the noise and bloody image outside. This shapes who he is as a person, as he figures he is next. The way he responds to such a lack of control shows how he may react in the future.

plot- slaves get their monthly allowance

This is important to show how little the slaves truly had. A lack of clothing could be life endangering during the winter, depending on the location. Stressing the quality and lackthereof in the clothing shows how poorly slaves were treated.

plot- Mr. Severe is replaced

Mr. Hopkins is the new overseer, which is important to show the contrast in overseers. To survive slavery, understanding the attitude of an overseer is important. Mr. Hopkins is much quieter and less angry, making a contrast in the characters we usually see filling this role.

plot- Douglass’ mother meets with him

As a child, a relationship with a maternal figure is crucial. Frederick doesn’t get to have that, so the few times he does meet with his mother are crucial to the plot. As she sits while he falls asleep, a bond and relationship is formed, even though it is short lived.

plot- first time witnessing

this shows the theme of prejudice and how people were punished for things they could not control, such as the color of their skin. This continues to create resentment as Frederick grows up.