Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

In his autobiography Frederick Douglass presents a vivid picture of a horrifying period of American history that far too few people understand. Douglass’s personal narrative as a slave lets readers feel the fear of his past and allows us to experience the suffering and pain inflicted by underserved beatings and an unhealthy lifestyle with too much physical exertion. Douglass exhibits very personal and fervent feelings about his history and helps his readers understand the intense hatred and disgust the American slave had for his possessor, and the sickness of hate that allowed human beings to keep other human being as chattel.

The typical American slave standard of living was worse than some of the most poverty stricken countries of today. Most slaves were not as privileged to be classified as “fat and happy.” Slave “owners,” often referred to as “masters,” simply did not have to provide adequate food and clothing because there was no enforcement of it by law or any other authority regulator. In general, consideration and generosity for slaves were at the discretion of their beholders. Within these tragic lifestyles, ties between biological family members within the slave c

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Slaveholders believed that if educated the slaves might possibly rebel and/or even run away. Cruelty and abuse were the only means of control the slaveholders believed would keep order. America is still to this day repaying the debt to the families whose ancestors endured slavery so many years ago. The slaveholders instructed the elderly to care for young children and often broke the bonds between parents and their children to keep unity suppressed and ignorance high.

The violence slaves endured was the most vivid representation in Douglass’ portrayal of slavery in the South. There is still a tie between slavery and racial discrimination that affects individuals, societies, politics, and our country as a whole.

Slavery had such a catastrophic affect on America during this century that it finally lead to the division of the North and South and brought about the Civil War. We see that Douglass’ persistence to keep his first name shows us he still values his heritage and family. Americans who lived in the north and were commonly referred to as abolitionist fought for the abolishment of slavery and justice of mankind. It might leave one to believe it was a search for an interpretation that would ease there restless minds so that perhaps they would not feel as guilty and be able to sleep better at night. Douglass could never comprehend how the slaveholders were able to justify slavery through their faith and church as some of his “owners” did. There was a face and name behind the stories Douglass told, which made it personal and easy to relate to. Politically and morally slavery separated the northerners against the southerners. Even today slavery and civil right movements are a main concern and cause controversy in our communities and towns across the nation.

Common topics in this essay:
Frederick Douglass, War Politically, North South, frederick douglass, slaveholders believed, narrative life, american slave, douglass narrative, pain inflicted, racial discrimination,

Approximate Word count = 963
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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