Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Douglass argues that education is an essential step to freedom. Describe how he learned to read and write, and how this enabled his journey toward freedom.

Douglass argues that slavery damages Black people but is also corrosive to white society. What evidence does he use to support this argument?

What does freedom mean to Douglass, and how does he go about achieving it?

Describe Douglass’s analysis of how religion functions in the context of slavery, using three specific examples from the text.

Violent force was way that enslavers enforced slavery as an institution. Identify two other methods that were used to keep enslaved people submissive.

Choose one figure besides Frederick Douglass and analyze their role in the institution of slavery and their relationship to Douglass.

Douglass highlights several significant turning points in his life that ultimately led to freedom. He describes them as divine providence and luck, but he also details his extensive preparation and his willingness to take risks that enabled him to take advantage of these opportunities. How does Douglass narrate the balance between chance and will?

The Underground Railroad was the most famous path to freedom for formerly enslaved people. Describe Douglass’s beliefs about the Underground Railroad. Is his argument convincing? Why, or why not?