Sample Rhetorical Summary: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Below is a sample outline and a well-developed rhetorical summary and evaluation in MLA of “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,” a classic autobiography written by Frederick Douglass. This sample is intended to help students write better essays.

“Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” Rhetorical Summary & Evaluation Essay

Essay Outline

1. Introduction
   • Briefly introduce the text: “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” by Frederick Douglass.
   • Mention the author’s purpose in writing the narrative and its historical context.
   • Provide a thesis statement that outlines the main rhetorical strategies used by Douglass in the narrative.
2. Book Summary
   • Summarize the key events and experiences in Douglass’s life as presented in the narrative.
   • Highlight Douglass’s journey from slavery to freedom and his quest for education.
3. Rhetorical Strategies
   1. Ethos
      • Discuss how Douglass establishes his credibility as a narrator and advocate for abolition.
      • Analyze his use of personal anecdotes and experiences to connect with the audience.
   2. Pathos
      • Identify instances where Douglass appeals to the emotions of the reader.
      • Examine descriptions of the harsh realities of slavery and the emotional impact on both slaves and readers.
   3. Logos
      • Analyze Douglass’s use of logical arguments against the institution of slavery.
      • Discuss how he employs reasoning and evidence to support his claims.
   4. Style and Language
      • Explore Douglass’s use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and similes to convey his message.
      • Discuss the tone and voice of the narrative and how they contribute to its impact.
   5. Structure
      • Examine the organization of the narrative and how it enhances the storytelling.
      • Discuss the use of flashbacks and chronological storytelling.
   6. Supporting Evidence
      • Provide specific quotations from the text to illustrate the rhetorical strategies discussed in the previous section.
      • Remember to include in-text citations for each quotation/ evidence
4. Evaluation
   • Evaluate how effective Douglass’s rhetorical strategies are in achieving his goal of advocating for the abolition of slavery.
   • Discuss the lasting impact and historical significance of the narrative.
5. Conclusion
   • Summarize the key points of the rhetorical summary.
   • Reiterate the significance of “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” in the context of the abolitionist movement and American literature.
   • Offer a final thought on the enduring relevance of Douglass’s message.
6. Citations
   • Include proper citations for the text and any other sources referenced in the summary.
   • Remember to follow specific guidelines provided by your academic institution.

This outline provides a structured approach to creating a rhetorical summary of “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” by focusing on the author’s rhetorical strategies and their impact on the reader and society.