FREDERICK DOUGLASS ESSAY EXAM

On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, we will have an in-class essay exam worth 50 points. You each will need to complete all of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written by Himself. You will pick one of the following questions, prepare an exam card for the test, and then write a full essay that has an introduction, at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

You may answer either question:

Option 1:

Frederick Douglass' Narrative is a classic of American autobiography. One of the core issues it traces is the role of literacy and education in his personal development. Discuss how the acquisition of literacy and learning helped (or possibly hurt) Douglass on his quest for freedom.

Option 2:

Douglass knows that his audience is predominantly white. Explore several strategies he uses to appeal to white readers specifically to help sway them emotionally or intellectually to support abolition.