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.
             The book opens describing an almost blurring view of Douglas' past. It tells of his family's separation, and how life on the farm was not based on families, but on groups that could come and go with the blink of an eye. This is different than the views that are often given. Life as a slave was different than one may think, slaveholders felt that the slaves needed to be kept in line, and shouldn't be given even a slight opportunity to have personal feelings or ideas. The slaves were almost considered like machines. Even, perhaps, the entire slave population was considered like one big machine. Separate components may be replaced and may perform different functions, but it didn't matter exactly who performed a task, just as long as it was finished. The break in this ideology is when Douglas is sent to work for a relative and then yet another relative. However, as soon as his original master dies, Douglas is required back on the ranch for a property tally. Soon, Douglas is required to work in the fields for the first time in his life. This is a shocking difference from what one may expect. The normal thought of somebody who had not studied is that slaves didn't have special opportunities, and would work in the fields for their entire life. He (Douglas) was sent to somebody to be 'broken in', just like a boot. During this processes, a slave would get beat more than they had ever been before, and would have to learn how to do the necessary work. After this, Douglas was shipped from farm to farm, for a year or two at a time. Again,...