In fact, at the beginning of his career Douglas' oration and writing were so practiced and professional that many doubted his claim that he was a former slave. ... Likewise, Wendell Phillips in his letter pledges "the most entire confidence in [Douglass'] truth, candor, and sincerity" (p. xiv). ... Now that we have the necessary background about the autobiography we can move on to our topic which the making of self in the narrative The concept of "knowing one's self" is one of the basic tenets of western civilization. ...

• Word Count: 2277
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate