mar 10, 1845 - Narrative of the Life of Federick Douglas -
Federick Douglas
Description:
Sets the standard for the slave narrative genre (was one of the best selling narratives of its time); uses "I-witness" method (first-hand experience) to establish credibility; lays out every major argument against slavery in first chapter and develops these arguments in later chapters; driving force of the narrative is abolition of slavery; argues that slavery is maintained through the enforcement of ignorance, unchecked violence, the separation of families, the exploitation of women, and the dehumanization of African Americans; an early form of critical race theory
Added to timeline:
African American Literature Timeline
Date:
