The Trials and Triumphs of Freedom 

Book: ​Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave 

By: Frederick Douglass. May 1, 1845 

Lesson Plan for Grade 11 and 12, American Literature, 

Prepared by Mr. Ehrman, 2/24/2019 

MATERIALS 

● Book: Narrative of the Life Of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave 

● Concept Map Worksheet and Diagram Worksheets 
● Overhead Projector 
● Pencil 

MULTICULTURAL THEMES 

● Tolerance and Understanding 

● Slavery 
● Historic Oppression 

EDUCATION STANDARDS 

● CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1 - Key Ideas and details 

● CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.10 - Range of text complexity 

OBJECTIVE 

Students will ​contrast​ the trials (adversities, troubles) and triumphs (joys, 
experiences or freedoms) of slaves like Frederick Douglass after obtaining their 
freedom, by filling out concept maps in small groups, with 90% accuracy. 

PROCEDURE 

● INTRODUCE:  
○ Reintroduce ​Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an 
American Slave​, by Frederick Douglass, also Recap chapter 10 in the 

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 book to remind the class of where we left off. 
● READ:  
○ Have students volunteer to read a paragraph at a time in chapter 11. 
● DISCUSS: 
○ Once the final chapter is completed, Use the overhead projector to 
ask the following questions to begin discussion and share thoughts: 
■ Question 1​:​ What are some of the triumphs and opportunities 
felt as a newly freed slave? 
■ Question 2: ​What are some of the trials and obstacles to be 
faced as a newly freed slave? 
■ Question 3: ​What do you think the average former slave was 
more full of, hope or fear? 
■ Question 4: ​What obstacles faced by African Americans in 
1845 are still obstacles for African Americans today? 
■ Question 5: ​What were some key differences in Frederick 
Douglass’ life between his time on the plantation and in 
Baltimore? What do you think this says about the north VS the 
south in regards to their views on slavery at that time? 
● ACTIVITIES:  
○ Working in small groups (4 to 6), Students will fill out the concept 
map worksheets regarding Chapter 11 of the book. 
○ Students will then individually create a Venn Diagram contrasting 
Trials and Triumphs faced by newly freed slaves. I would like four 
thoughts in each of the three categories (trial, triumph and both). 
Each category will need two examples from the book (cite page 
number) and two personal thoughts (be creative). Diagram will be 
used as an outline for next week’s essay. 

EVALUATION 

Check both the concept map and the diagram for accuracy and comprehension.  

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