Question

read this excerpt from narrative of the life of frederick douglass:

i had no bed. i must have perished with cold, but that, the coldest nights, i used to steal a bag which was used for carrying corn to the mill. i would crawl into this bag, and there sleep on the cold, damp, clay floor, with my head in and feet out. my feet have been so cracked with the frost, that the pen with which i am writing might be laid in the gashes.

how does this excerpt exemplify a personal narrative?

• by including important historical events
• through researched facts about a persons life
• through thoughts and reflections from the author
• by including imaginary, made-up details

Explanation:

Analyze the genre characteristics of a personal narrative

A personal narrative is a first-person account of a writer's own life experiences, featuring their personal thoughts, feelings, and reflections.

Evaluate the excerpt's content and perspective

The excerpt is written in the first person ("I had no bed", "I must have perished", "with which I am writing") and describes the author's direct, lived experiences and personal hardships.

Match the characteristics to the multiple-choice options

• "by including important historical events": Incorrect, as the focus is on personal experience rather than broad historical events.
• "through researched facts about a person's life": Incorrect, as this is an autobiography/memoir written from first-hand experience, not a researched biography.
• "through thoughts and reflections from the author": Correct, as it shares the author's personal memories, feelings, and reflections on their past suffering.
• "by including imaginary, made-up details": Incorrect, as a personal narrative is a non-fiction account of real events.

Answer:

• by including important historical events
• through researched facts about a person's life
• through thoughts and reflections from the author (Correct answer)
• by including imaginary, made-up details