Recommended Length: 1200 - 1500 words, typed (double spaced and with an appropriate cover page)

 For this assignment you will read the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. While you are not required to do any research for this assignment you will benefit from the preface by William Lloyd Garrison and the letter by Wendell Phillips, both leading white abolitionists of the time. In addition, you will find helpful materials in Chapter 11 of the Nash textbook,  "The Black Slave Driver" by Randall Miller in the Garraty collection, and Chapter 17 ("The South and the Slavery Controversy") in the Bailey collection - in particular sections A and B.

Your paper should begin with an introduction that includes the following:

• a brief  account of the history of slavery in America
• the historic context within which the Narrative was published with specific references  to the state of slavery and the antislavery movement by 1845
• the historic significance (reasons it was published, impact, bias, etc.) of the work

In your response to the Narrative you need to answer this broad question:
 What can this text teach the modern reader about the institution of slavery and the attitudes   surrounding it as they existed in the ante-bellum United States?
 

• Some points to consider are:
• How does this text support or contradict any previous opinions you may have had about    American slavery?
• Did anything in this text surprise you?
• Is this a valid and reliable primary source?
• How do you think nineteenth century readers would have reacted to this text?
• According to Douglass, why is slavery bad for the slave-owner as well as the slave?
• How does this text support or contradict the primary and secondary source materials you have read?

Bear in mind that these are only suggested questions. It is likely that you will formulate your own questions and may choose to ignore any of the questions suggested above. I am looking for evidence that you have made an effort to read and consider this work as an historian.

 In your conclusion try to make some accurate generalizations about slavery in the ante-bellum period. You might also raise questions that the book does not answer to your satisfaction. In addition, feel free to assess what you got out of the assignment.

 Some final hints:

•  Give yourself enough lead time to think about what you write before-hand and to  edit and proofread your final draft.
•  Be specific when referring to text and other materials, describe carefully or cite as  necessary.
•  Do not underestimate the value of your observations and opinions.