Order 1339573: Frederick Douglass

a. I don’t care what edition you read so long as it is unabridged (complete). The book is cheap—less than $5. If you didn’t purchase a copy from the school bookstore, you can find copies at mall bookstores, used bookstores, and on-line. You can also read it on-line for free at Project Gutenberg:

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23/23-h/23-h.htm

b. I think you should read the opening testimonials by Garrison and Phillips. However, they are the driest part of the book. Don’t let them stop you from getting to Douglass’s story. Skip over them if need be.

2) Take some simple notes while you read.

a. Keep track of Douglass’s whereabouts as he moves from place to place and master to master. Keep track of his masters and where he lives. What type of work does he do? How does Douglass portray his masters? What lessons does he learn at each stage of his life?

b. Also make note of anything that moves you or resonates with you while you read. What parts of his story touch you, if any? What emotions do you feel as you read? Does he trigger any questions?

3) Write a 750-1100 word, typed, 12 point font, double-spaced essay (it can be longer) consisting of at least 4 paragraphs.

a. Select two events in Douglass’s life that you think were particularly important to him. Write one paragraph on each event. ***You MUST STATE THE CHAPTER NUMBER that each event is in and then briefly describe the event in no more than one or two sentences (I know all the events; I don’t need lots of detail). Then, more importantly, tell me in your own words why you think this event or encounter was significant to Douglass. How did it change his life? What lesson did he learn from it?

b. One of the themes throughout Douglass’s Narrative is his portrayal of slaveholders. In a third paragraph, explain to me how you think Douglass viewed slaveholders. Use specific evidence from the text and make specific reference to at least three of Douglass’s masters to support your interpretation.

c. Add one more reflective paragraph at the end. How did you feel about the book? Was there a section of the autobiography that you found particularly meaningful, troubling, or thought-provoking? Were there parts of the book that resonated with your own experiences? Were there sections that made you angry? Did you not like the book? Why or why not? There are no right or wrong thoughts provided they are expressed well. Simply tell me your honest emotional response to the autobiography.

d. Thus, all together, you will have at least four paragraphs.

4) Requirements:

a. The paper should be 750-1100 words, typed in a 12 point font, and double spaced. It CAN be longer than 1100 words, but significant points will be deducted if it is shorter than 750 words. ***You must place the word count at the top of your heading on your first page.

b. You may use the first person (“I feel that Douglass….”).

c. If you quote text, cite the chapter number and page number in parentheses using proper and consistent form. For example “From that moment, I understood the pathway from slavery to freedom” (Ch. 6, p. 49).

d. Your paper should be grammatically correct. Grammar will count 40% and content (the quality of your ideas) 60%. The paper should be spellchecked, grammar checked, and proofread multiple times to reduce wordiness, catch incomplete or run-on sentences, eliminate comma-splices, and to make sure your writing is as clear as possible. If you are a weak writer, be sure to use the writing center to help organize your thoughts, tune up your grammar, and to proofread your paper. If you are a strong writer, use the writing center as a second pair of eyes to proofread your paper. I will give you three points extra credit on your final grade if you use the writing center.

e. You must hand in your paper on Blackboard by Thursday, 11/29/18 at 11:59 PM. I do not want a paper copy. ***You must load an electronic copy of your paper in Blackboard under “Assignments.” Use MS Word; do not submit a copy using .PAGES. The library tech aide can help you save your paper in Word format before uploading.

f. Your paper will be checked by SafeAssign. ***Plagiarism from the Internet, Cliff notes, another student, or anywhere else will result in a zero for the assignment and referral to the Dean of Students. Do NOT go anywhere near the Internet for this assignment. It is not worth it; you will be caught. Do your own work and be proud of it.

g. Be a wordsmith. You should play with your text to find just the right words to express your meaning. Proofread and then rewrite to eliminate wordiness and make your prose tight, smooth, and clear. Read it out loud, slowly, to yourself and then fix it as needed. Find the fun in playing with words!