Slavery is an oppressive and harmful entity that consumes and destroys the souls of both its victims and those who see themselves as powerful overseers in this detestable endeavor. It embodies the height of human ignorance, with people using it as a foundation for their “enterprise” while devaluing these individuals as mere products to be purchased, traded, and subjected to brutality at their own will.
The narrative of Frederick Douglass is a coming-of-age story set in a world that rejects him for who he is. It also serves as a terrifying depiction of the tragedies endured by enslaved individuals. This chronicle follows his journey from childhood to adulthood, capturing the emotions and experiences of both himself and his fellow slaves. Douglass skillfully employs pathos to evoke empathy for their shared struggles. Ultimately, his narrative serves as a roadmap from bondage to liberation, with Douglass initially enslaved not only physically but mentally as well.
As the story progresses, we witness the protagonist’s transformation into a liberated individual, both legally and mentally. He concentrates on his emotions and character development, effectively demonstrating the growth he has undergone. This strategy aims to captivate the reader’s attention and generate support for his cause due to his eloquent and intelligent style of combining various appeals. The author employs anecdotes and vivid imagery skillfully to depict his personal epiphanies over time, thus fostering a connection between his character and the readers’ emotions. Consequently, we gain a more genuine understanding and empathy towards his circumstances.
The text contends that slavery is akin to a parasitic insect that…
It can be argued that the institution of slavery is comparable to a parasitic bug…
The author suggests that slavery functions like a parasitic bug which…
The text posits that slavery is analogous to a parasite that…
According to the text, slavery acts as a parasite, infecting the slaveholder with a false sense of power and weakening the slave in both body and spirit.
The author’s appeal to ethos is evident as the story progresses, showcasing moments of epiphany that provide insight into the man he becomes and highlighting key milestones along his journey.
As a child, his initial understanding and fear arose from witnessing his first beating.
During his childhood, he was typically protected from the actuality and brutality of slavery. Nevertheless, when he ultimately observed it, he implores us to envision its genuine essence. Despite not having personally undergone the anguish or hardship, he became cognizant of the disconcerting reality of slavery. Although it may appear uncomplicated, uncovering the truth about slavery and recognizing his own involvement in it was a transformative moment for him. Shortly thereafter, at age seven, Frederick is relocated to live with new masters in Baltimore. Upon arrival there, he starts to acknowledge the influence of education and its repercussion on the institution of slavery.
Douglas understood that education was a pathway to freedom, and he believed that through education, slaves could develop independent thoughts that might lead to uprisings. This is why slaves were prohibited from receiving an education, but Douglas was determined to find a way. His opportunity to learn and educate himself became his second epiphany because it uncovered the power held by white individuals. According to him, this power was not derived from a white man’s strength, but rather from the deliberate suppression of knowledge among slaves, preventing them from realizing the possibility of a better life. This suppression is where the “power” lies: in ignorance.
After a certain period, he became troublesome for one of his owners and was sent to a “slave breaker,” Covey. For a significant amount of time, he felt defeated and trapped in an animalistic mental state. However, everything changed when he had an epiphany that he would prefer death over life as a slave. This realization sparked a two-hour altercation with his master. From that day onward, he never experienced whippings again – a minor triumph in his perspective but a stepping stone towards freedom. He soon made an unsuccessful effort to flee but later succeeded in his second endeavor, which allowed him to fulfill his desire of relocating to New York and subsequently Massachusetts.
He discovers that his life’s mission is to eradicate or at least contribute towards the eradication of slavery, and that is the fundamental objective of his account. The aim is to educate those who are unaware of the true experiences of being a slave and potentially alter people’s perceptions about it, ultimately prompting action to put an end to this unjust practice. Throughout the narrative, Douglass offers profound insights that make the public realize the harsh reality of slavery.
In his quotes, he portrays the harshness experienced by slaves, both mentally and physically, while also acknowledging that they were not the sole sufferers. As he stated, “Thus is slavery the enemy of both the slave and the slaveholder” (p31.). Slaves endured feelings of alienation, physical abuse, humiliations, and numerous other forms of cruelty. Nevertheless, the slave owners themselves succumbed to the flaws of human nature and transformed into monsters from within. They turned violent, greedy, ruthless, and merciless towards anything or anyone that dared challenge their dominance.
The text explores the transformation of Sophia Auld’s character and how slavery affected her actions. At first, she was a compassionate owner who instructed Frederick in literacy, setting her apart from other slaveholders known for their negative qualities. Nonetheless, as time passed, her demeanor altered. When confronted about educating Frederick, she assumed the attitude of a typical slaveholder and reveled in the authority she had previously disregarded. This instance underscores slavery’s contagious nature as a destructive force.
Throughout the narrative, Douglass frequently depicts the cruelty, horror, and brutality of slavery. However, when he employs positive imagery, it becomes even more impactful and reveals the hope and optimism that he always strived for. A particular passage exemplifies his true character as he declares, “the work of instructing my dear fellow-slaves was the sweetest engagement with which I was ever blessed” (p. 59). Douglass possessed genuine compassion and a profound sympathy for all those who continued to endure the hardships of slavery.
Frederick Douglass possesses the ability to understand and share the feelings of others due to his own experiences. He uses this understanding to teach others how to read, emphasizing the importance of their shared community. Despite being a former slave, Douglass never saw himself as one and dedicated his life to ending slavery. He felt burdened when talking with white people but found a sense of belonging among other African Americans. This preference for assimilating with similar individuals comes from people’s natural inclination to connect with those who are alike.
Frederick Douglass showcased both humility and a notable level of self-assurance in his narrative. As evidenced by history, his exceptional talent for public speaking captivated many individuals, as his eloquent words effortlessly resonated with audiences. Through unwavering determination, Douglass strived to make a positive impact and ultimately achieved success. Rather than accepting the status quo, he seized an opportunity to enact change, leading to his triumphant accomplishment.
The book “Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass and American Slave” was written by Frederick Douglass and published in 2004 by ModernLibrary in New York.
