Discussion Post
By now, you should have reviewed the chapter on Neoclassicism and Romanticism and read Douglass's Narrative and the required readings that go along with this module. I would also expect you to have read my lecture notes.
In order to get full credit for your answers you must provide concrete details from the primary work as well as direct quotations from the narrative. You may also use the lecture notes in support of your arguments, but they do not substitute for you drawing on Douglass's narrative, quoting it for support and using the details that Douglass so richly provides.
Answer each of the following questions and submit your answers to the corresponding drop box. Most of the questions have several points that you must address. Be sure to answer each question in full, providing evidence for each main point.
A. Discuss the details of Douglass's childhood, focusing on those earliest years before he goes fulltime to the great house. What was his and the life of the other slave children like? For example, you might start by discussing their living conditions? Use concrete specifics to qualify your answers.
B. What eventually happens to Douglass's mother? What was their relationship like? When and how did he get to spend time with her? How did he react when he received the news of her death? Be specific.
C. Douglass learns to read from Sophia Auld, which opens the world for him. He references one book in particular that had a profound affect on him. How does learning to read become a life-changing experience for him? Be specific.
D. Why does Sophia stop giving reading lessons to Frederick? How does her character seem to change after this event?
E. Douglass learns to write, but has to use his wit to do so. How does he learn? Be specific about all the various techniques he uses.
F. What is the evaluation? What causes the evaluation to occur in which Douglass has to participate? How does Douglass describe it?
G. What is life like for Douglass when he works on the docks in Baltimore? How do the other workers treat him? Cite several instances to qualify your answer.
H. In Chapter 9, Douglass is under the service of Thomas Auld. How does Auld's personality change after he is converted at a Methodist camp-meeting? How does he use scripture to justify his treatment of Henny?
I. When Douglass stands up to Covey, he undergoes a spiritual transformation, a Romantic epiphany that defines the new way he sees himself. This connects to Blake's poem, "The Divine Image," which explains that Douglass has a unique soul that comes directly from God; he is made up of God's spirit. How does this help define the resolution that Douglass makes that day in the field with Covey?
J. How does Douglass's transformation illustrate the tenants of Romanticism? Consider the lecture notes here.