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
- 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.
- 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.
- Rhetorical Strategies
- 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.
- 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.
- Logos
- Analyze Douglass’s use of logical arguments against the institution of slavery.
- Discuss how he employs reasoning and evidence to support his claims.
- 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.
- Structure
- Examine the organization of the narrative and how it enhances the storytelling.
- Discuss the use of flashbacks and chronological storytelling.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
