Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass – Four Phases of the Slave Narrative.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass – Four Phases of the Slave Narrative.

Using the four phases of the traditional slave narrative outlined in the introduction, identify at least two (2) passages from the text that reflect each phase. Be sure to identify the chapter of the text from which you select each passage. You should have a total of eight (8) passages.

The Four (4) Phases of the Slave Narrative:
Phase 1: Dehumanization
Acts of Violence – Murders of slaves by overseer’s and slave masters
Sexual Abuse – Female slaves were beaten and raped by slave masters
Bastardization of the Family Unit – Slaves born to slave masters were still treated as slaves
Disregard of Family Relationships—Parents (especially mothers were often separated from their children)
Mistreatment/Neglect – Slaves slept on the floor, had little food, etc.
Phase 2: Resolution to Free Oneself
Literacy as freedom
Physical escape as freedom
Phase 3: Turning Point/Escape
Fight with Mr. Covey – Important because it shows both men that Douglass is strong and has the spirit to fight back. Douglass is convinced, after this encounter, that his freedom is only a matter of time.
Phase 4: Success
Reaches freedom; joins Abolitionist Movement
Writes autobiography

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass – Four Phases of the Slave Narrative.