Introducing the Autobiography Literary Focus: Diction Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass Feature Menu Introducing the Autobiography Literary Focus: Diction Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose Writing Focus: Think as a Reader/Writer TechFocus

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass How does conflict lead to change?

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Introducing the Autobiography Click on the title to start the video.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick DouglassIntroducing the Autobiography Human beings are so made that the ones who do the crushing feel nothing; it is the person crushed who feels what is happening. Unless one has placed oneself on the side of the oppressed, to feel with them, one cannot understand. Simone Weil (1909–1943)

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Introducing the Autobiography In this excerpt, Frederick Douglass recounts a critical incident in his life under slavery.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Introducing the Autobiography Douglass depicts in plain language and unsettling detail . . . • his brutal treatment at the hands of a slave master • his reactions to the mistreatment and their far-reaching effects [End of Section]

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Literary Focus: Diction Diction is a writer’s or speaker’s choice of words. Diction can be . . . Formal: Give me your attention. Informal: Listen up. Ornate: Lend me your ears. Plain: Listen, please.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Literary Focus: Diction In this excerpt from his autobiography, Douglass fundamentally chooses . . . ordinary common words that are clear, effective, and precise. About three o’clock of that day, I broke down; my strength failed me, I was seized with a violent aching of the head, attended with extreme dizziness; I trembled in every limb. from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass [End of Section]

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose In many cases, writers combine several modes of expression—such as • description • narration • exposition • persuasion . . . in order to accomplish their purpose.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose Frederick Douglass, like other writers of his era, knew that a serious purpose could call for multiple tactics. exposition narration description persuasion

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose Description uses words that appeal to our senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Rat-a-tat-tat! The young drummer boy sounded his call over and over. He wanted this photograph to show his mother how important he was to the Union army. Rat-a-tat-tat! he pounded out over and over until the photographer shouted at him to stop.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose Narration tells about a series of events, usually in chronological order. Seth, caught behind enemy lines, silently rowed his makeshift raft across the river. He would be safe on the other side.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose Exposition explains something. The term is most commonly used in nonfiction, but it also refers to the part of a fiction plot in which the reader is given important background information. The Union encampment was situated in a large field, surrounded by woods. A nearby stream provided fresh, clear water. There was plenty of grass for the horses and mules.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose Persuasion uses reason and emotional appeals to convince a reader to think or act in a certain way. Persuasion is used almost exclusively in nonfiction, particularly in essays and speeches. “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.” from “Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose Douglass’s autobiography does not rely solely on persuasion to prove that slavery is dehumanizing. As you read, look for details showing how Douglass describes a life in slavery and narrates his experience for the purpose of persuasion.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose Instead of making obvious persuasive appeals, Douglass uses description and narration. Purpose descriptions of the horrors of slavery to prove that slavery is dehumanizing narration of Douglass’s personal experiences

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Into ActionAs you read, record passages that are especially effective in helping Douglass persuade readers about the dehumanizing nature of slavery. Passage Why It’s Persuasive “. . . I was seized with a violent aching of the head; I trembled in every limb. Finding what was coming, I nerved myself up, feeling it would never do to stop work.” It uses both description and narration to show the total powerlessness that characterized life in slavery. [End of Section]

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Writing Focus: Think as a Reader/Writer Find it in Your Reading Douglass often uses a matter-of-fact style to describe dramatic events. As you read, record examples of Douglass’s understated style. For each example, point out the dramatic event that Douglass is describing. [End of Section]

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Tech Focus As you read the selection, think about how Douglass might share his experiences if he were alive today. [End of Section]

Vocabulary

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Vocabulary epoch n.: noteworthy period of time. comply v.: obey; agree to a request or command. subjected v.: made to experience some action or treatment. interpose v.: put forth in order to interfere. gratification n.: satisfaction; delight.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Vocabulary Though an epoch often suggests a period of time significant to an entire nation or culture . . . . . . an individual’s life may also feel divided into epochs.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Vocabulary Which one of these inventions clearly belongs to an epoch different from the others? In your opinion, which device from the earlier epoch had the most lasting impact?

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Vocabulary The word complycan suggest either a willing or a required response to a command. It’s easy to comply with rules you helped make. Being forced to go along with rules is less pleasant.

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Vocabulary The word comply, divided into its prefix and root, literally means bend(ply)with(com). Do these people appear to have been forced to comply with a command?

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Vocabulary Whenever someone is subjected to something, the experience is not a pleasant one. Expect the word subjected to have anegativeconnotation. When will this athlete know if the tough training she subjected herself to was worth it?

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Vocabulary The word interposesuggests something put forth intentionally and intended as interference. We decided to interpose a fence between our yard and the empty lot to keep the weeds out. Were we successful?

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Vocabulary The traffic-control officer agreed to interpose himself between the stalled car and on-coming traffic. Therefore, he stood • on the curb beside the car • in the street next to the car • in the crosswalk near the car

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Vocabulary Something that provides one individual with a sense of gratification may be quite different from what delights someone else. Can you see the gratification in these expressions?

from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Vocabulary Her diploma in hand, and a job interview set for Monday, Alma had never felt such gratification. Which one of these words is NOT a synonym for gratification? satisfaction pleasure joy delight conceit reward [End of Section]

The End

Introducing the Autobiography Literary Focus: Diction Reading Focus: Analyzing a Writer’s Purpose