Freedom?

The questions below are provided by our very own favorite shaggy-haired musician, Chris B. Be sure to comment on other people's comments, keeping in mind that this is a discussion, not a Q &A session.

Is freedom inherited or gained? Do you think that 100 years from now people will look back and say "Why did they do that?" about something as we say when we look at slavery? If so, what, and if not, why not?

Douglass, Publishing, and Purpose

The excellent questions below are provided by your very own favorite realist,
Kyle N. You may respond to one or to both.



1) It could be argued that Douglass' intentions for writing "Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass" were unpure; that is, he wrote the book for monetary gain. Playing Devil's Advocate, how can this perspective be argued?
Also, do you agree or disagree with this theory? Support your opinions with context from the book.

2) How does the quote on the back of the book effectively sum up the entire novel in one short, powerful sentence? Why do you think the publisher's decided to put that quote, and only that quote, on the back? Most importantly, what is your interpretation of the quote?