Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave

¶ … Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

In history there are few pieces of literature that can tell the true amount of horror and suffering that a certain group of people are forced to endure. One such novel that captures the brutality of slavery and the moral hypocrisy that existed was the book: The Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglas, An American Slave. Where, this historical icon discusses the impact that slavery would have on his life, as he is transformed by the institution to become an abolitionist. To tell this story, Douglas describes his life in different phases to include: his life as slave, the awakening that would occur and his desire to achieve his freedom at any cost. Together, these different elements provide an overall of view of: how Frederick Douglas was able to overcome the brutalities of slavery.

When you look at the first part of the book, Douglas' life as a slave, it is clear that he is showing the audience the immortality of the institution of slavery. Where, he discusses how rapes, murders and a situation of hypocrisy exists, with the white slave owners. Who will use religion as way to justify their actions as moral. This is despite the fact that various acts of: slavery, murder and rape; are specifically prohibited as sins in the Bible. An example of this can be seen with his description of the institution of slavery. Where, they were forced to work long hours and received little food or clothing from their slave masters. Because of these views, Douglas tried to escape, with him being recaptured and sent to another family. This would shape who he would become, as he would learn how to read and write in one of the homes where he was sent after he escaped. Then, when he attempted to escape again, he was sent to live with a brutal slave master. After facing what seemed like never ending abuse, he would stand up to the slave master, who would learn to respect Douglas. This taught him, that he could make a difference in fighting the injustice of slavery. (Douglas pp. 21 -- 27)

The events that took place in slavery would lead to an awakening for Douglas, as he quickly began to read the ideas of abolitionists. At which point, he would escape and settle in New Bedford, Massachusetts. This would mark the beginning of the long fight that Douglas would have in the abolition of slavery and campaign for civil rights. This awakening would lead to the publishing of the book, The Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglas, An American Slave. Where, he would print the different speeches on the abolition of slavery. This would become a best seller and make Douglas famous. However, he was wanted by southern slave hunters and began to campaign in Britain against the evils of slavery. This allowed for sympathetic friends to buy Douglas's freedom, which helped him to return to America.

The different events that were described by Frederick Douglas were a testament of his desire to obtain his freedom at any cost. Where, he would endure suffering and brutality at the hands of slave masters. These incidents would harden his resolve, to escape at any cost. This is significant, because it shows how despite the obvious inhumane conditions that he would endure through much of his life, Douglas would find a way overcome the different challenges that he faced. As a result, the book The Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglas, An American Slave; is a testament to the underlying strength of Frederick Douglas. As it shows his ability, to overcome the obvious brutality that he would see, to have a positive impact upon the world.