What central theme does Frederick Douglass's Narrative emphasize?

• A. The inevitability of surrender to oppression
• B. The struggle for freedom and the dignity of enslaved people against forced subjugation
• C. The economic benefits of slavery
• D. The success of pro-slavery arguments

Answer: (B)

The central idea being tested is the struggle for freedom and the dignity of enslaved people against forced subjugation. Frederick Douglass’s Narrative foregrounds the humanity and longing for autonomy of those in bondage, showing how oppression destroys dignity while also highlighting acts of resistance, education, and self-assertion that lead toward emancipation. His personal journey—from brutal confinement to self-education and escape—illustrates that freedom is earned through courage and intellect, not given by oppressors. The work also challenges the pro-slavery stance by exposing the cruelty and hypocrisy of enslavers, underscoring that slavery is a moral injustice rather than a beneficial system. This makes the theme of freedom and human dignity the heart of the narrative, rather than any notion of economic gain, inevitable submission, or advocating for slavery.