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Haley Gay
Norton
English III Blended
7 November 2015- 9 May 2016
Frederick Douglass Literary Analysis
"Never having enjoyed, to any considerable extent, her soothing presence, her tender and
watchful care, I received the tidings of her death with much the same emotions I should have
probably felt at the death of a stranger." (Douglass 10) Frederick Douglass speaks of the death of
his mother using a reserved tone. Douglass's tone throughout his autobiography, Narrative of the
Life of Frederick Douglass, comes off as harsh, blunt, and cold. Douglass explains his life as a
slave, his relationships, and provides stories that show the truth of this era in history. Not only is
Douglass knowledgable, but he is known for being a skilled orator. He proved that slaves had
intellect and personal understanding on life to relate to others. Because of his orator skills, he
easily expressed the sad truth to the readers of his book. Douglass shapes the way readers believe
his story by his word choice and tone. If he were too overplay his emotions the entire time, how
credible could his words be? He provides a perfect amount of emotion and passion to draw the
reader and offer a different perspective. Douglass tells his story by using emotional rhetoric and
a smooth tone, displaying that he is educated. Douglass proves he is relatable with the blunt truth
he provides in his book.
Douglass uses multiple tones in his writing to convey different emotions to the readers.
An example of tone he uses is irony. "And the only explanation I can now think of does not
entirely satisfy me; but such as it is, I will give it." (Douglass 64) Douglass further explains why

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he believes Mr. Covey did not take him to the whipping post for putting his hands on a white
man. This tone is reoccurring through the entire book. The irony in his tone shows the readers
how emotionally drained he has become. Douglass feels passionate, but yet sounds tired. He has
not given up but he speaks of someone who has been through pain and hurt. Douglass writes as if
he's come to agreement with his life. He believes in freedom but to get there he has been
overcome and drained. This tone is the most emotional one he could give. Douglass may sound
blunt and distant. It may make him sound bitter. In the end, Douglass is emotionally wrought of
his life. How else can he convey this to the people without showing how tiresome he is. Many
people can't relate with his experience but they can relate with the feelings of how they feel after
going through a rough life. Douglass's tone changes to one that is trying to show his pain when
he says,
You are loosed from your moorings, and are free; I am fast in my chains, and am a slave!
You move merrily before the gentle gale, and I sadly before the bloody whip! You are
freedom's swift-winged angels, that fly round the world; I am confined in bands of iron!
O that I were free! O, that I were on one of your gallant decks, and under your protecting
wing! (Douglass 59)
He has passion and wishes that show in his words with this quote. Douglass majorly uses his
straightforward tone, but reveals his more emotional side to capture the reader.
Douglass's raw truth is shown through his tone and word choice in the book. When
speaking about his master, Douglass says, "They seemed to think that the greatness of their
masters was transferable to themselves. It was considered as being bad enough to be a slave; but

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to be a poor man's slave was deemed a disgrace indeed!" Douglass addresses the disturbing truth
in his writings. As well, he speaks of the honesty of the anti-slavery reform.
I took right hold of the cause. I could do but little; but what I could, I did with a joyful
heart, and never felt happier than when in an anti-slavery meeting. I seldom had much to
say at the meetings, because what I wanted to say was said so much better by others.
(Douglass 91)
Douglass uses a more cheerful tone because he is speaking of a movement that had positive
effects for himself and his people. In this quote, he manages to sound happy and humble.
Douglass is known for being an excellent orator and he admits that others had the same things to
say but could do so better. He brings his readers on an emotional "roller coaster" by ending his
book with a bittersweet moment. Douglass portrays his hardships in life and the toll it has taken
on him without sounding like he is asking for sympathy. He is simply stating the truth and his
story. Douglass's tone creates a creditability and an empathy coming from his readers and by
doing this he has followers that support him and fight for his rights.

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Works Cited
Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Delaware: Prestwick
House, 2006. Print.