Frederick Douglass's slave narrative is a classic for a reason. He clearly and passionately describes his life as an enslaved man in the early 19th century, pulling on his readers' emotions in just the right way. This narrative is terrifying to read, at once humbling and inspiring. Atrocity after atrocity is committed, and the strength of the human spirit is truly remarkable to witness in these pages. Douglass is known as a great speaker and leader, but it must be recognized that he was also a great writer.