This excerpt exemplifies a personal narrative by including the author’s reflections. Frederick Douglass shares his personal experiences and thoughts about cleanliness and the significance of owning a pair of trousers, which highlights his feelings and aspirations. His reflections on the expectations set by Mrs. Lucretia and the social implications of appearing clean in Baltimore provide insight into his personal circumstances and emotions, characteristic of a personal narrative.
Read this excerpt from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
I spent the time in washing, not so much because I wished to, but because Mrs. Lucretia had told me I must get all the dead skin off my feet and knees before I could go to Baltimore; for the people in Baltimore were very cleanly, and would laugh at me if I looked dirty. Besides, she was going to give me a pair of trousers, which I should not put on unless I got all the dirt off me. The thought of owning a pair of trousers was great indeed! It was almost a sufficient motive, not only to make me take off what would be called by pig-drovers the mange, but the skin itself.
How does this excerpt exemplify a personal narrative?
through researched facts about a person’s life
by defining important historical events
through imaginary, made-up details
by including the author’s reflections
1 answer