The Narrative of Frederick Douglass: Style 1 key example

Douglass's narrative weaves together the style of autobiographical storytelling with the style of a rhetorical appeal. The narrative is structured around the events of his life, and it has many of the characteristics of a compelling story. For instance, the scene in Chapter 10 when Douglass fights Covey is suspenseful, action-packed, and important to the development of both the plot and Douglass's character. There are also many instances when Douglass describes the emotional impact of something that happened to him, such as what it felt like to witness Aunt Hester being abused. These moments contribute to the reader's sense of Douglass as a character who is learning and developing in response to trials and tribulations. Douglass is truthful about the events of his life, but he is good at recounting these events in such a way that they make up a cohesive narrative with all the hallmarks of a dramatic plot. When he escapes enslavement at the end, there is a narrative sense of payoff.