Fredrick Douglas Essay, Research Paper
Adam Conners
Adam Conners
History
Frederick Douglas
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave was written
by Frederick
Douglass himself. He was born into slavery in Tuckahoe, Maryland in approximately
1817. He has,
” no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing
it” (47). He
became known as an eloquent speaker for the cause of the abolitionists. Having himself
been kept as a
slave until he escaped from Maryland in 1838, he was able to deliver very impassioned
speeches about
the role of the slave holders and the slaves. Many Northerners tried to discredit his tales,
but no one was
ever able to disprove his statements.
Frederick Douglass does offer a biased review of slavery, as he was born into it,
yet even in his
bias he is able to detect and detail the differences in the slave holders cruelty and that to
which he was
subjected. From being whipped and humiliated daily, “a very severe whipping for being
awkward”
(101), to being able to find his own work and save some money, “I was able to command
the highest
wages given to the most experienced calkers” (134), he is able to give the reader a more
true picture of
slavery. His poignant speeches raised the ire of many Northerners, yet many still felt the
slaves deserved
their position in life. Douglass, for his own safety, was urged to travel to England where
he stayed and
spoke until 1847 when he returned to the U.S. to buy his freedom. At that point, he began
to write and
distribute an anti-slavery newspaper called “The North Star”. Not only did he present
news to the slaves,
but it was also highly regarded as a good source of information for those opposed to
slavery.
During the Civil war, Douglass organized two regiments of black soldiers in
Massachusetts to
fight for the North. Before, during and after the war he continued his quest to free all the
slaves. He
became known as a fair and righteous man and was appointed as the U.S. Minister of Haiti
after holding
several government offices.
Frederick Douglass has woven many themes into his narrative, all being tied with a
common
thread of man s inhumanity towards man. Children were uprooted from the arms of their
mothers,
“before the child has reached it s twelfth month, it s mother is taken from it” (48) and sold
to other slave
holders. Brutal whippings occurred for even the smallest imagined offense, “a mere look,
word, or
motion” (118), women were treated as no better than common concubines and the slaves
were forced into
living quarters, “on one common bed cold, damp floor” (55) worse than some of the
farm animals. The
slaves were not allowed even the most meager portion of food, “eight pounds of pork and
one bushel of
corn meal” (54) to last a month. Clothes were scarce and illness was never tolerated. It
was unthinkable
for the slaves to practice any type of religion, hold any gatherings, become literate to any
degree,
“unlawful unsafe, to teach a slave to read” (78) or even make the simple decision of
when to eat and
sleep.
One of the themes that the book dealt with is society and it s handling of slavery
under the guise
of Christianity. Those who professed to being the most Christian i.e., the minister who
lived next door,
was actually the most cruel. Douglass stated adamantly that religion was, “a mere
covering for the most
horrid of crimes, — justifier of barbarity — sanctifier of hateful fraud, —
protection for the slave
holder” (117). “Religious slave holders are the worst” (117) because they thought it was
their duty to
“whip his slaves” (118). While being in the community of religious leaders, Douglass was
subjected to the
“meanest most cruel” (117) of acts of one human being towards another. The slaves
were kept down,
belittled and whipped into submission all under the tenets of Christianity. The Rev.
Weeden, Rev.
Hopkins and Mr. Freeland felt it was not only their right to own slaves, but also their God-
given right to
take these human beings and turn them into hard workers. The imagined acts of
transgression and the
punishments mettled out smacked of Puritanism of the 1600 s. If they, as religious
leaders, were the ideal
citizens of society, then the slaves, who were the chaff of the wheat, must be treated as
such. If the slaves
were not whipped daily, how could they ever be saved from all their imagined sins?
Not only are we allowed a chronological view of Frederick Douglass life, we are
also privy to the
growth of his emotional maturity as he explores the value of becoming a free man, “looked
forward safe
to escape too young to go immediately consoled myself with hope” (86). It is the
gradual realization
that the more Douglass is treated fairly, “deep conviction that slavery would not always be
able to hold me
in its foul embrace” (75), the more he wants to be free and the more inhumanly he is
treated, “raised his
musket aim at his standing victim Demby [a slave shot unjustly] was no more
horror flashed
through every soul upon the plantation” (67) the more he accepts his plight as a slave that
opens up his
major theme. He comes to realize that the slaves lose their personality and identity the
more submissive
and down trodden they become. Unable to think of only protecting their survival, they
begin to believe
they are unworthy of being saved.
As they are awarded more freedoms, the slaves begin to realize that what has been
taken from
them is actually their right to have, “a city slave is almost a freeman” (79). Freedom looks
more and more
precious the closer they are to achieving it until it becomes an obsession and they will fight
to the death to
become freemen.
The literary work the Narrative expresses two main views of women, neither of
which are to be
taken as positive values even in the 1800 s. In a very unfavorable light, Douglass tells the
reader that
slave women were expected to work alongside the men doing the same hard, dirty labor or
they were used
to watch the children when they become, “too old for field labor” (48).
In Narrative, Mr. Covey, “buys one slave for a breeder” (105). The men in
Narrative believe
women are only good for sex and they do not hesitate to use them as such. Another
example is that
Frederick s father was, “whispered my master was my father [Captain Anthony]” (49).
The slave
holder was not above satisfying his sexual urges by the usage of black slaves.
The book was easily digested and powerful yet Douglass softened the tone by not
becoming
graphic when he had every right to do so. This was the first publication of the book and it
would be
interesting to see how much “gentler” he was by the third rewrite. Published by the Anti
Slavery
Committee, it was definitely biased against the slave holder but Douglass seemed to write
fairly of his
experiences especially since he was able to relate both good and bad experiences with his
slave owners.
Douglass words sum it up the best, “You have seen how a man was made a slave; you
shall see how a
slave was made a man.” (107)
Другие работы по теме:
My Symbolical Snack Essay Research Paper My
My Symbolical Snack Essay, Research Paper My Symbolical Snack THE LIQUID My liquid is APPLE JUICE. The apple, once portrayed as the Forbidden fruit eaten by Adam and Eve, has a lot of nutrients that are essential to the body. Potassium, fiber, and many vitamins are things that your get from the apple.
Shoot The Teacher Essay Research Paper SHOOT
Shoot The Teacher Essay, Research Paper SHOOT THE TEACHER By: David Belbin During the couple of days that pass in this book, lots of things happen. A boy in his mid teens becomes to heavy a
Three Abolitionists Essay Research Paper Olaudh Equiano
Three Abolitionists Essay, Research Paper Olaudh Equiano, Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglas have all been described as abolitionists. Equiano is the eldest of the three and his writings were a model for slave narratives. Douglas is very similar to Equianoe in a way that they are both descriptive. Lincoln is different because he is the only caucasian one out of the three.
April Morning Essay Essay Research Paper I
April Morning Essay Essay, Research Paper I think that some of the reasoning behind Moses Cooper letting Adam fight in the war was that Adam was no longer a small child like his brother
Adam Sandler Essay Research Paper Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler Essay, Research Paper Adam Sandler is a well-known comedian, musician, actor, screenwriter, and singer. He is known throughout the nation for his accomplishments in the entertainment business.
Paradise Lost Essay Research Paper Visions of
Paradise Lost Essay, Research Paper Visions of Marriage In John Milton s poem, Paradise Lost, there is a portrayal of marriage between the two protagonists Adam and Eve. The narrator tells a story about the unity between this man and woman and shows us their trials during this time. Adam was a man created by God and through one of his ribs, his wife Eve was then created.
April Morning Essay Research Paper April MorningI
April Morning Essay, Research Paper April Morning I think that some of the reasoning behind Moses Cooper letting Adam fight in the war was that Adam was no longer a small child like his brother Levi.
John Milton Essay Research Paper John Milton 2
John Milton Essay, Research Paper John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” describes the fall of man in a poetic lyric. His book closely details the character God, Satan, and how Adam and Eve came do their downfall. God’s first human creation, Adam, was given all luscious gifts of paradise, including free will. The Tree Of Knowledge was Adam and Eve’s only forbiddance.
Farewell To Arms Essay Research Paper One
Farewell To Arms Essay, Research Paper One of the best novels of Ernest Hemingway is A Farewell to Arms. Hemingway takes much of his life story to his novels. A Farewell to Arms is the typical classic story that can refer to Romeo and his Juliet placed against the odds. In this novel, Romeo is Frederick Henry and Juliet is Catherine Barkley.
The Hitch Hiker
’s Guide To The Galaxy Essay, Research Paper ?The Hitch Hiker?s Guide To The Galaxy?, by Douglas Noel Adams Douglas Noel Adams has successfully tried to show us another aspect of our daily-life routine. By using many cynical elements, he creates extremely funny situations which represent much deeper aspects.
Turner Thesis Essay Research Paper Fredrick Jackson
Turner Thesis Essay, Research Paper Fredrick Jackson Turner developed the thesis that the American West created and reinforced the American ideals of: equality, democracy, opportunity, and individualism. I disagree with Turner?s thesis and feel that the American West created just the opposite. It created a period of inopportunity and inequality especially between the rich and the poor classes of the time period.
Essay On Man Essay Research Paper Scriptalready
Essay On Man Essay, Research Paper Script already be on stage when show starts Austin= super stu Brian=Fredrick Austin says- ?Hi guys, I hope your doing sssuper, My name is stu, and this is my partner in crime, Fredrick. Fredrick don?t be bashful, introduce your self silly.?
Douglas M Mcgregor Essay Research Paper Douglas
Douglas M. Mcgregor Essay, Research Paper Douglas M. McGregor Mr. McGregor theorizes that management views an employee s motivation toward work in two distinct ways Theory X and Theory Y. Theory X managers believe the following: (1) The average worker naturally does not like work and will avoid it whenever possible. (2) Managers must always control, motivate, and direct their employees to perform well. (3) Most workers prefer being directed, avoid responsibility, and seek job security.
Douglas Essay Research Paper Frederick Douglas Frederick
Douglas Essay, Research Paper Frederick Douglas Frederick Douglass was born in Tuckahoe, Maryland, near Hillsborough. He doesn?t know for sure of his age, he has seen no proof and his master will not inform him. Most masters prefer for their slaves to stay ignorant. He believes that he was around twenty-seven and twenty-eight when he began writing his narrative – he overheard his master say he was about seventeen years of age during 1835.
Stephen Douglas Essay Research Paper American Studies
Stephen Douglas Essay, Research Paper American Studies Assignment-Stephen A. Douglas My name is Stephen A. (Arnold) Douglas (born: April 23,1813- died: June3, 1861). I have been given the nickname “The Little Giant” representing my fiery conviction, prowess, and self-reliance. I believe that the country’s destined direction lies west.
Shampoo Planets 2
Shampoo Planets – Book Report Essay, Research Paper Shampoo Planets – book Report The book I chose is Shampoo Planet, writen by Douglas Coupland. I chose to read this particular book because it was written by an author of my generation; generation X. Most books that were on the list were book written by people that were either dead or very old.
Inconsistencies In The Creation Essay Research Paper
Inconsistencies in the Creation Remember the story of creation you learned in Bible School. God created light and darkness, earth and sky, water and land, the sun and the moon, the birds and the beasts. Along with them came man. Adam, the man, got lonely, so out of Adam God took a rib and formed Eve, the first woman.
Douglas
’ Reading On Slavery Essay, Research Paper The first thing came to my mind after reading Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass, an American Slave was how lucky and blessed I am to have the freedom without having to fight for it. As a foreigner, I only had a little knowledge on African American enslavement.
The Truth Essay Research Paper I
The Truth ? Essay, Research Paper I think that all the answers are in the religious teachings. In the beginning god made man in his own image and that was Adam.
Adam And Eve Essay Research Paper In
Adam And Eve Essay, Research Paper In the ?Book of Genesis?, an ancient Hebrew story from the King James Bible, we are given the account of Adam and Eve. Eve is led up the path of temptation and forced to make a
Adam And Eve Essay Research Paper Lee
Adam And Eve Essay, Research Paper Lee Daville English IV A Summary of ?The Diaries of Adam and Eve? This play takes place in a beautiful, mysterious garden. Two characters make up
Dandelion Wine Essay Research Paper Report The
Dandelion Wine Essay, Research Paper Report: The summer of 1928 was a summer of many happenings. It was the summer that a child of only 12 learned the thoughts and worries of being a young adult. Douglas Spaulding never knew what he would experience once the summer
Paradise Lost Essay Research Paper Paradise LostIn
Paradise Lost Essay, Research Paper Paradise Lost In John Milton’s Paradise Lost, we learn of Milton’s epic poem that deals with the entire story of man’s fall from grace, including background for Satan’s motives. In Book 1 of the poem, a brief introduction mentions the fall of Adam and Eve caused by the serpent, which was Satan, who led the angels in revolt against God and was cast into hell.
Fredrick DouglasBook Report Essay Research Paper This
Fredrick Douglas-Book Report Essay, Research Paper This book opens the eyes of the reader to the real life that the slaves experienced, although it does not give a fully accurate description. It causes the reader to marvel at the simplicity, yet complexity of the life of an American slave. All of the below are used to give an analysis over the books views, and don t necessarily reflect my personal views.
Fredrick Douglass Essay Research Paper Fredrick Douglass
Fredrick Douglass Essay, Research Paper Fredrick Douglass vs. Gone with the Wind. That’s how I perceived the two pieces of literature, Douglass is writing a true account of what his experience has been in slavery while Gone with the Wind is a fictional production of southern life. Pardon the simile but they are like black and white.
Fredrick Douglass Essay Essay Research Paper Fredrick
Fredrick Douglass Essay Essay, Research Paper Fredrick Douglass essay Escaping from slavery in 1838 had to be a treacherous experience; escaping slavery at any time would be! Most slaves couldn?t read or write, but one slave, Fredrick Douglass, broke that barrier and many more. In this particular writing he uses a wide-open state of mind to clearly get his thoughts across.
Adam Smith Essay Research Paper Adam Smith 2
Adam Smith Essay, Research Paper Adam Smith, (1776), of the division of labor According to Adam Smith, economic growth is rooted in the increasing division of labor and the specialization of the labor force by the breaking down of large jobs into many little ones. Under this regime, each worker becomes an expert in one area of production and workers do not have to switch tasks during the day.
Adam Bede Essay Research Paper Adam Bede
Adam Bede Essay, Research Paper Adam Bede Technology advances with time. Though, technological advancement is needed to move a civilization forward, it also has its downsides. With more products and services available, it is impossible to live a life of relaxation as people once did long before. In George Eliot’s “Adam Bede,” one can see the difference in the purity of “old leisure” and the corruption of modern leisure through Eliot’s use of diction, imagery, and personification.
Adam
’s Song Essay, Research Paper Adam’s Song I never thought I?d die alone I laughed the loudest who?d have known? I trace the cord back to the wall No wonder it was never plugged in at all
An Analysis On Adam Purcell
’s Sleep Adam Sleep Essay, Research Paper An Analysis of Purcell’s’ Sleep, Adam, Sleep Out of all of the composers of the Baroque era, Henry Purcell seems to have extraordinary consideration for Italian operas, court odes, and religious anthems. He is best known for the epic Dido and Aenas, which was one of his famous operas.
Big Daddy Essay Research Paper Big KidOne
Big Daddy Essay, Research Paper Big Kid One of the most recent movies that i have seen is Big Daddy. When this movie came out in theaters I knew that it was going to be a hit because the main character (Adam Sandler)