FREDERICK DOUGLASS REAGING GUIDE: BOOK DUE 3/3

1. What are Douglass' best arguments against slavery?

2. According to Douglass, how does slavery affect slaves' human development (personality, behavior, sense of self)?

3. After his confrontation with Mr. Covey, why does Douglass write, "however long I might remain a slave in form, the day had passed forever when I could be a slave in fact"?

4. Why is Douglass able to "understand the deep meaning of those rude and apparently incoherent songs" sung by slaves only when he no longer is a slave himself?

5. When Douglass writes, "You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man," what does he understand a man to be?
What does Douglass mean when he talks of "... the right of each man to own his own body and soul..."?

6. How is Douglass able to maintain his religious faith when that of his owners is used to justify their treatment of him?
Why does Douglass consider holiday celebrations as part of the "inhumanity of slavery"? (p. 115)

7. Douglass says that "Slavery proved as injurious to his master's wife as it did to him." What impact does slavery have on gender roles in the South?

8. Douglass describes knowledge as "valuable bread" and the Liberator as his "meat and drink.” Discuss.