Question

5. How does Douglass

structure the final paragraph
in order to contribute to the
discussion of the role of
singing in the lives of those
who were enslaved?

Answer 1

Frederick Douglass structures the final paragraph of his narrative to correct the misconception that singing among slaves indicated happiness, explaining it was, in fact, an expression of sorrow and a means to cope with the harsh realities of slavery.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the final paragraph of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass structures his discussion on the role of singing in the lives of the enslaved by contrasting the common misconceptions of the time with the harsh reality of his own experiences.

He begins by addressing a prevalent belief held by many in the North, who thought that the singing of slaves indicated their contentment and happiness. Douglass forcefully refutes this notion, explaining that singing was a way for slaves to express and alleviate their sorrow, rather than a sign of joy.

The paragraph concludes with a powerful simile, comparing the singing of slaves to the singing of a man cast away on a desolate island, reinforcing the idea that such singing stems from a place of deep emotional pain and longing, rather than happiness.