Category: Frederick Douglass

Biographical Information

Fredrick Douglass was born Fredrick Bailey between 1817 and 1818 in Maryland. His mother was black while his father was rumored to be a white slaveholder. He developed an intense dislike for slavery as a small boy and dedicated his life to fight the vice. After escaping from slavery, he joined anti-slavery movements and became one of the most popular blacks in history.

Literary Analysis

In Narrative Life of Fredrick Douglas, the author recounts the experiences of slavery in the 19^th century. The autobiography describes the oppression, harassment, torture, and atrocities committed by the whites under the legal frameworks of slavery. The narrative’s plot introduces the early life of the author and proceeds to illustrate his resentments towards slavery and racial discrimination. Strong literary elements that include figures of speech, tone, and imagery are used to bring out the author’s strong hate for slavery. The tone that is used throughout the story is filled with sarcasm and loath for the atrocities committed by the white slaveholders. The author portrays anger when he recounts the harshness of the slave masters when disciplining, awarding, and interacting with the slaves. In one instance, the author recounts witnessing his aunt being whipped using a cowskin on a bareback until blood dripped to the floor (Douglass 7). The plot illustrates Douglass’ transfer to Baltimore to work under Hugh Auld and the significance of the change in his discernment of slavery. The author describes how his first formal lessons under the guidance of Sophia Auld transform his objectives by instilling a passion for fighting slavery. However, his education dreams are cut short by Hugh’s statement “a nigger should know nothing but to obey his master” (Douglass 33). The dialogue portrays the hatred for the blacks. The character traits of the slaveholders are brought out by the use of the word nigger and the emphasis on ignorance as a weapon against the empowerment of the blacks.

The narrative uses a sarcastic language to enhance the tone and illustrate his interests in an antislavery revolution. For example, he considers a situation where an individual’s heart requires a fleshy cover to understand the plights of the slaves. The author states, “There is no flesh in his obdurate heart” to describe individuals that would remain unchanged by the contents of the songs composed in the forests (Douglass 14). The heart is described as an organ that requires the fleshy part to become sympathetic and concerned.

The plot highlights the author’s plans to escape from slavery and join other free blacks. The thoughts of escaping were influenced by a growing desire for freedom among the blacks. When the author is taken to Covey because of his revolutionary ideals, he engages in a fight that causes the slaveholder to fear and respect the black slave. Eventually, the author escapes and changes his name from Bailey to Douglass to conceal his identity. Additionally, his escape serves as the beginning of anti-slavery revolutions and strong demands for the freedom of the black community.

Relationship to today’s society

The theme of slavery is reflected in the contemporary racial discrimination and inequalities. According to Martin, today’s society still portrays significant levels of racial discrimination against African Americans (98). Racial disparities are common in police checks and the employment sector. In a study conducted by Chan, the police were ranked first in racial profiling (76). They have developed a misguided stereotype that associates blacks with crimes. The research found that blacks were more likely to be suspected of crimes compared to their white counterparts. The profiling affects the credibility and the freedom of the African Americans. Most of the stereotyped individuals rely on the historic perceptions of blacks as worthless and undeserving of any positive attribute. Additionally, work-based discrimination is mainly founded on gender and race. Some managers are still skeptical about the capabilities and competencies of a black employee. The skepticism has caused most blacks their promotions and job opportunities. Although the contemporary racial disparity does not involve atrocious activities of murder and whipping, they interfere with the individual rights and freedom. In fact, a black employee is at a higher risk of being suspected of malicious activities compared to other communities. The retrogressive perceptions that were used by slaveholders are still common in most parts of the country. The black person has not been accepted fully as a legitimate citizen. The whites still consider America their country while considering the blacks intruders.

Personal evaluation

The story exposes the atrocities committed during the slavery period. The author uses a harsh and angry tone while condemning the activities and perceptions of the white slaveholders. The theme brings out a strong message against any form of discrimination or oppression. In fact, the experiences of the slaves portray resilience, determination, and perseverance that led to a free country. Although racism is still experienced in many instances, it is gradually fading with the numerous anti-racism campaigns and strong policies that support freedom of speech and equality. Everybody has the right and freedom to exercise his talents and resources in this country.

Terminology

Bay craft means a form of a water vessel or boat

To bowse means to talk and respond in a rude manner

Taking the ell means taking a large portion

Forte means gift

To gall means to be mad

Black gip means a deceptive black person

To goad means to aggravate

A hod means a pail

Mulatto children mean the first generation of a black and white ancestry

A staid means someone who is reliable and hardworking

Works Cited

Chan, Janet. “Racial profiling and police subculture.” Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice/La Revue canadienne de criminologie et de justice pénale 53.1 (2011): 75-78. Print.

Douglass, Frederick. “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. 1845.” The Classic Slave Narratives (2013): 1-124. Print.

Martin, Michelle H. “Racial Innocence: Performing American Childhood from Slavery to Civil Rights by Robin Bernstein (review).” Children’s Literature Association Quarterly 38.1 (2013): 96-101. Print.

Introduction

Slavery is an integral component of American history. Consequently, one can never give a comprehensive account of American history without mentioning slavery. Numerous slave narratives attempt to account for the horrible experience that the blacks went through in the hands of the whites. Individuals who were once slaves have written numerous narratives detailing their experience. The primary goal of compiling the stories was to invoke opposition and assist in the fight for the abolishment of slavery. The stories helped people to have a clear picture of what it meant to be a slave.

The writers used an edifying tone with an objective of demanding equality between blacks and whites. Most narratives also tried to portray the coercion of slaves by their masters. Additionally, they portrayed the religious insincerity of the whites. Mary Prince and Frederick Douglass used different approaches to invoke sympathy from the audience and bring out the real nature of slavery. Besides, their narratives offered evidence of the deplorable conditions of slavery. The two gave an account of the brutal treatment of slaves such as inadequate housing. They also described the experience that the slaves went through due to lack of education, food and separation from family members.

Comparison of the Narratives

Prince and Douglass gave an account of how they were born from slave families and later alienated from their parents. Moreover, their stories comprise sentimental, religious, informative and violent characteristics. Both Prince and Douglass endeavored to surmount society’s discrimination against African Americans and to vitalize the fight against slavery. A distinct disparity between the narratives is that Prince narrated her ordeal from a female perspective. As a result, she emphasized emotions, domesticity, and loyalty. She vividly recounted her experience as a domestic laborer and the hardships she had to endure.

Besides, she recounted how her owners abused her. She could not give them the satisfaction that they desired. On the other hand, Douglass’ story demonstrated the influence of male superlatives like courage, education, and manliness. An analysis of the titles and subtitles of the two narratives reveals the level of literacy of the two slaves. Douglass compiled without help from his experience as a slave, which signified that he was an educated man. The narrative accentuated Douglass’ dominance over the whites. He was not different from the whites regarding astuteness and education. Douglass used his eloquence to soften the hearts of the readers and arouse pity for the individuals who were under slavery.

By Douglass writing his narrative, he managed to maintain the legitimacy of the story. On the other hand, a third-party helped Prince to compile her story. However, the author used the phrase “A West Indian Slave – Related by Herself” to win the trust of the audience. Even though Prince narrated the story, the author’s influence altered the original narration. For instance, the author omitted deliberately all experiences that could tarnish the natural image of Prince.

Even though Prince had affairs with her masters, such experiences were never included in the story (Prince and Pringle 5). The author included supportive stories and supplements as a strategy to emphasize the legitimacy of the narrative. Further, the author used the supplements to draw the attention of the white audience. Douglass also incorporated excerpts from other books to build his story. Nevertheless, he mainly focused on his story. The book covers the two stories represented the diverse characters of the narrators. Prince’s book portrayed her as a meek female victim. Prince was drawn kneeling in a beseeching and lowly position. On the other hand, Douglass’ portrayal signified intelligence and self-confidence (Douglass 51). The cover portrayed Douglass as an intelligent and brave man.

Prince and Douglass cited separation from the parents as the cruelest feature of slavery. Prince narrated how she cried uncontrollably after parting with her parents. Here, she stressed emotions. Prince claimed that she thought her “young heart would break” (Prince and Pringle 8).

She went ahead to argue that her separation from the family brought her a lot of grief. She used her narration to show how slaveholders were ruthless to even the children. Douglass also claimed that it was cruel for the masters to separate him from the parents. He contended that the slaveholders had the tendency to take away boys when they were still very young. Douglass posited, “A single word from the white men was enough… against all our wishes, prayers, and entreaties to signify the ruthlessness of the masters” (64). Douglass consistently underscored the separation from family and friends to denote the pain that slaves had to endure.

Prince and Douglass addressed themselves to different audiences who expected a woman to behave differently from a man. The principal objective of the narrative and history was to rouse compassion and understanding in the audience. Prince accomplished this goal by incorporating female emotions in history.

On the other hand, Douglass achieved his goal through the use of cruel details, descriptions, and arguments. He did not drift from his manliness. Douglass stressed the significance of nobility and courage, a quality that was present in other slaves. His utterances implied that the slaveholders lacked a vein of nobility. He claimed that he could not recall one of his masters ever extending a noble act to the slaves. Douglass stated, “I do not know of one single noble act ever performed by him… the leading trait in his character was meanness” (68). In this case, he depicted the whites as hypocrites and the blacks as noble.

The narrative and history began at different stages of the life of the slaves. Douglass’ narrative did not include a gentle introduction. Prince started the story by narrating her happy beginning as a young girl. She recalled her encounters with the parents. Prince described her childhood as the happiest phase of her life. She was too young to understand the ordeals of slavery. Indeed, Prince was on good terms with Miss Betsey, who was her first mistress.

The introduction showed that slaveholders did not treat boys and girls in the same way. The girls had time with their parents during childhood. Thus, it was easy for them to recall their relationship with family members. On the other hand, boys were taken away while they were still infants. Consequently, it was hard to remember their childhood life. The narrative signifies that slaveholders valued boys. They had to take them while still very young and train them to work. Moreover, it showed that the slaveholders did not consider the rights of the slaves to carve their destiny. Douglas alleged, “The blacks were deprived of the human right of having a free will and of influencing their destiny” (67).

Douglass’s narrative began in the middle of a deplorable condition. Douglass could not tell his age. As a result, he did not have an opportunity to get an identity. Douglass did not show any sadness when he was sold to a different master, unlike Prince, who was attached to her mistress and was sad to part with them. For Douglass, the cords that connected kids to their domiciles were all detached. Douglass did not identify with any home. Additionally, he felt nothing when his mother died because he was not attached to her. Analysts claimed that there was a reason Prince opted to start her story from her childhood life while Douglass jumped to his slavery epoch (Prince and Pringle 12).

Douglass’ main concern was to bring out the negative side of slavery. Hence, he was not interested in his early life. His endeavor was to portray the cruelties and realities of slavery. On the other hand, the author of Prince’s history missed the gist of her story. Even though the author managed to bring out the cruelties and reality of slavery, he/she painted contradicting images by giving an account of Prince’s happy life with her early masters. In this case, the author tried to portray the nature of slavery. The author showed that slave life was not always gloomy. One could at times delight in being a slave.

Conclusion

Douglass and Prince used awful images to portray slavery as a strategy to win the sympathy of the audience. The two addressed themselves to different audiences who expected women and men to behave differently. Thus, Prince used female emotions to articulate her history. On the other hand, Douglass used cruel realities to present his narrative.

Works Cited

Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Mineola: Dover Publications, 1995. Print.

Prince, Mary, and T. Pringle. The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave, Related by Herself, Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina, 2000. Print.

What role does religion play in Douglass’s account?

The technical definition of religion is belief, feeling and recognition of super power that has the control of human life. According to Frederick Douglass, God has the power to control humanity; he is able to observe what the people are doing. Righteous people need to reason and perform their duties according to the will of God.

In his speech, he challenges the ruling class and wishes that his concerns could be answered with the intervention of God. He portrays that despite the oppression that the slave had undergone, there was superior power that they could lean on to soften the hearts of their lords (Foner).

In the third paragraph of his speech, he laments that he was invited to an occasion of joy but he should be mourning of the oppression the slaves were getting from the American leaders. He recognises that the class differences occurring in the society was God given where different allocations of power wealth and strength. He condemns the oppression the slaves underwent, at the end of the speech he recognised that the deed of the Americans mocked God; they brought shame to holy spirits as they were not human.

According to the speech Douglass was a Christian by religion; he made some quotes from the bible that portrayed oppression in the Jews community and brought the same picture to the situation in America.

According to him, religion was supposed to bring people together and control the way they do things; it should be a form of constitution with a solution to all problems of humanity if well understood and practiced. The teaching of the religion called for no oppression of either group, the haves should not mock the southerner’s slaves but they should be guided by the bible to give them their rights and respect (Foner).

How does he describe the effect of religion upon Southerners, particularly slaveholders?

Douglass felt that the lords made rules and regulation with the need to oppress the Negros, he was of the view that the American Lords had developed the religion of Christianity and enforced it to the Negros buts they did not practice the religion. He was of the opinion that the Americans could do the Negro good not to enforce Christianity practices among the Negros if they were themselves not practising the religion.

The felt that religion was used to justify means that the misfortunes in the life are of the Negros and the Lords were hiding behind the religion as they oppressed the slaves. On the other hand, there is a book called the bible that governs the religion; in case believer does not comply with the requirement of the bible then the God’s power is supposed to punish the individual.

This rule was operated in exemption where the Negros could be made to suffer if they went out of the religion but the Americans Lords could not be punished for violating the rules of religion (Foner).

Comparison of religion

No single definition can capture the full meaning of religion; the technicality of the definition is when we talk of religion everyone who belief in it thinks religion is only what she or he beliefs. The Christian talks of you being religious he will only think of you as a fellow Christian and not a Muslim; in the case of Douglass, Christianity was the religion practiced, it is the religion the American and the slaves abided to however, it was taken for the advantage of one party as the other was oppressed.

Despite that, there are some generally accepted elements that each religion seems to belief in, the same religion can be used to oppress and benefit a certain group in the community at the expense of another. The Americans had enforced Christianity to the Negros so that they can have a soft way of controlling and misusing them.

Each religious belief recognizes the existence of a super national force or power that have control over men and the activities that man do; with this notion in mind, Douglass could have thought that the American could have seen the oppression they are subjecting the Negros to and in the spirit of religion they would have treated them better.

Religion is used to give justification why some people have more Liberty and power in the community. It also is seen to enforce inequality. A common characteristic found among all religion is that they present a complex of feelings and attitudes towards mysteries in life. Thus, religion comprises of systems of attitude, beliefs and symbols, which are based on the assumption that certain kind of social elements are sacred and supreme. There is also a structure of activities governed or influenced by this system (Petton 12-56).

Why or how would there be any differences?

In the case of Douglass, he felt that there was need to respect, practice and keep religion as holy; he felt that the religion has been enforced to slave workers by their lords so that the lords can have an easy controlling point. He felt that the religion was used to enforce inequality and justify the differences that existed among the communities. The haves, Americans had ignored the religion they purported to practice so that they can oppress the Negros.

In normal situations, religion is taken as a social movement and belief that held people together and gave them an identity as they recognised themselves with supreme beings. The belief that there is supernatural power that oversees and controls the functions of human beings should be used to hold people together and solve the differences that they might have. The role of religion as we know is different from the way Douglass had portrayed it to be. He saw it as a making for the benefit of the Americans (Murrin 205).

Why would Douglass describe religion the way he does?

The tone of the speech made by Douglass could tell the pain and oppression that the slaves had. The tone shows the hypocrisy that the Americans had and the way they hide behind religion. He describes religion as evil since he saw it as one of the most effective tools that the American lords used to oppress and exploit Negros.

The pain that the Southerner’s slaves suffered was justified by religion; he saw Christianity to have been moulded to justify the differences and inequality existing in the then American community. In the poem, Douglass, refers to Christianity as the source of hope for the slaves only if the American lords could respect and practice Christianity as they purported to (Foner).

Works Cited

Foner, Philip. The Life and Writings of Frederick Douglass, Volume II. Pre-Civil War Decade 1850-1860. New York: International Publishers Co., Inc., 1950. Web.

Murrin, John et al. Liberty Equality Power: A History of the American People, Volume I: To 1877. Kentucky: Wadsworth-Thomson Learning, 2005. Print.

Petton, Kimberley .Religion of the Gods, ritual, paradox and reflexivity. New York: Oxford press, 2009.Print.

Introduction

Freedom is the desired value but is not always easily attained. Freedom does not just come, people have to work for it; it is achieved not imposed. In Frederick Douglass’ The Heroic Slave, Douglass presents the reader with Madison Washington, a loving father, and a husband who is determined to become a free man and free those whom he loves. Frederick Douglass’ The Heroic Slave demonstrates the inconceivable and unimaginable struggle one suffers to obtain the simple right of freedom. The Merriam-Webster dictionary provides one definition of freedom as the liberation from slavery, restraint, or the power of another. Freedom is not that simple, thus Frederick Douglass saw fit to write The Heroic Slave in which he portrays this vision for freedom; the idea of becoming a free man, and using the struggle he encountered as a lesson to empower the abolitionists. The theme of this masterpiece is the journey towards freedom. Douglas seeks to compel abolitionists to carry on with their noble cause of pressing for freedom irrespective of the cost involved.

The Heroic Slave

The journey to freedom is a long one full of mountains, valleys, thickets, disappointments, and all sorts of heartbreaks. In order to overcome the struggles for freedom, one must place a high value on self and the betterment of society. The Heroic Slave outlines the cruelties of slavery, “heart-touching narrations of his own personal suffering, intermingled with prayers to the God of the oppressed for help and deliverance” (Douglass 180). While faithplaysy only a minor role in Madison’s path to deliverance, the courage, audacity and willingness to take risks or the physical work necessary to obtain freedorestts on his shoulders alone. Douglass presents Madison Washington with a powerful mindset; entangled between the desire for freedom and intense loyalty to his family. He is determined to flee for his freedom; he understands it will not be simple because he will be leaving his wife and kids.

It is either he frees himself first and come back for them or stay with his family and remain a slave; the one thing he fears the most, the loss of freedom. “If I am caught, I shall only be a slave. If I am shot, I shall only lose a life that is a burden and a curse. If I get clear, (as something tells me I shall,) liberty, the inalienable birthright of every man, precious and priceless, will be mine. My resolution is fixed. I shall be free” (Douglass 178). By using repetitions, I shall, only, and I will Madison create a mental scene to emphasize how strongly he feels. His mind is made up, if he is caught he will remain a slave, if he is shot he will only lose his own life but would influence his family’s life. Moreover, if he becomes a free man he would become part of humanity; will be a part of the world that shall live freely and happily as the rest. Madison sees freedom as a necessary part of humanity, the ability to live life according to his morals, values, and desire for self-fulfillment. Douglass seeks to influence the audience by coming out clearly on what he is willing to sacrifice for the sake of freedom; that is, his life. The audience will want to know more about a person who will sacrifice everything to gain freedom.

The Heroic Slave states about Madison that, “his high resolution clung to him;—for he ended each speech by an emphatic declaration of his purpose to be free” (Douglass 180). This statement is supposed to arouse within you the desire to be free from all obstructions. Madison gives a forceful speech from the heart. His heart desires nothing else but the opportunity to be able to live a purposeful life free from injustice. Although, Madison Washington does not have a strong relationship with God, he appears to be a good Christian man who prays for guidance and later risks his life to free his family from the oppressor. “His broad mouth and nose spoke only of good nature and kindness. But his voice, that unfailing index of the soul, though full and melodious, had that in it which could terrify as well as charm” (Douglass 179).

A man of such intelligence not only understands the importance of freedom, is also aware of what it takes to execute the mission and the bravery must come within to conquer the obstacles to meet one’s end. His thoughts are a powerful force. His appearance is nothing comparing to his words because they only suggest of his kindness, but his wisdom of words can change a person’s thought and empower if it will or become damaging if necessary. “Liberty I will have, or die in the attempt to gain it” (Douglass 178). Madison would rather die trying to escape than live unfulfilled life. These utterances emphasize the need of freedom. The fact that Madison was ready to lay down his life for the sake of freedom makes the theme of journey to freedom central in this masterpiece. What is more precious than life? Nothing; in writer’s view, willingness to lose life pursing freedom underlines the reason why the theme holds such a central role in the author’s writing.

Frederick Douglass’ intention to allow the readers to sympathize with Madison Washington goes undoubtedly seen. “I had, on the previous Saturday, suffered a cruel lashing; had been tied tip to the limb of a tree, with my feet chained together, and a heavy iron bar placed between my ankles. Thus suspended, I received on my naked back forty stripes, and was kept in this distressing position three or four hours, and was then let down, only to have my torture increased; for my bleeding back, gashed by the cow-skin, was washed by the overseer with old brine, partly to augment my suffering” (Douglass 188). Douglass describes in detail Madison’s struggle, the brutality of a human being. Madison received a cruel lashing; he was tied up to a tree with his feet chained together. He was striped forty times on his naked body and left there for hours. Douglass does not hold anything back. He wants to force the audiences to visualize the horrendous scene; he wants to evoke emotions in the audience so they can sympathize with Madison. Such description created by Douglass evokes sympathy toward the abolitionist who is determined to help the slaves escape. By Evoking sympathy from the audience, the author expects to influence the reader to understand the meaning of freedom. Freedom is not a matter of talk but actions.

In his writing, Douglass challenges both the white and black audience through his narrative. The author challenges the white readers to consider injustice, avoid hypocrisy, and fully realize the free nation they claim to be. The story is especially meant to encourage abolitionists to continue being active in their cause to free the slave. The fact that Douglass includes a white character such as Mr. Listwell, who throughout the narrative greatly sympathizes with Madison and helps him escape from slavery, is more specifically to reach out to his white audience.

Although most blacks were not educated at the time, Douglass still wanted to challenge the black readers to be understanding of his writing. He encourages them to stand up for themselves and move toward change away from obstruction of justice. He encourages the slaves to continue seeking freedom no matter the cost. The movement toward change and freedom allows both audiences to sympathize with Douglass.

The road to freedom is long whether one is walking from slavery like Madison or from any other form of oppression that people face in their daily lives. Think of this scene, “Here were one hundred and thirty human beings,—children of a common Creator—guilty of no crime—men and women, with hearts, minds, and deathless spirits, chained and fettered, and bound for the market, in a Christian country. Humanity converted into merchandise, and linked in iron bands, with no regard to decency or humanity…all huddled together, on their way to market to be sold and separated from home, and from each other forever” (Douglass 216). This scene serves to emphasize on how the journey to freedom is long and bumpy. However, Madison is determined to pay the cost only to enter gates of freedom with cheerfulness and hope for a better future in his heart. This narrative becomes significant because it references back to Gates argument about the idea of repetition. Douglass presents several repetitions in his writing.

Conclusion

Douglass writes from a perspective of a man who appears to understand both sides so he can appeal to the white and black audiences. He presents Madison as an intellectual man with feelings, emotions, anger, and hopelessness at the same time. He uses repetition to show that Madison’s determination for freedom and the attempt to gain more trust from the abolitionist. Douglass also emphasizes the parallel between good and evil; white versus black, which holds a central meaning to the narrative in influencing the white audience. The theme comes out clearly and the audience can now understand the nature of journey to freedom; the cost and sacrifice involved. Freedom is necessary; nevertheless, people craving for it should be prepared to pay the cost and not be scared, not even about their death.

References

Douglass, Frederick. “The Heroic Slave.” Griffiths, Julia. Ed. Cleveland: John P. Jewett & Company, 1853.

Christianity plays a very significant role in the narrative story of Frederick Douglass, who happened to be a slave in America. It is practiced by the slaveholders as well as the slaves themselves. To the slaveholders it is a means of defending their cruel acts but to the slaves, it is the only source of consolation unto their souls even in difficulties, believing in God for their deliverance.

A high rate of hypocrisy is represented in this narrative story on Christianity but there is also the real Christianity presented as having carrying a redemptive value of true Christianity. This discussion is therefore inclusive of the role of Christianity which is represented in the narrative Frederick story in comparison of both representations by the slaveholders as well as the slaves themselves.

To start with, Christianity has been subverted where it is used as a tool for power within the composition of slavery. In this there is justification of the existence of slave in the argument that God admitted for slave existence when He cursed Ham (Douglass 11).

Christians use the bible as their guide and according to the scripture in Genesis chapter 9 verses 24, Noah who was the father of Ham as his youngest son, cursed him into bondage of slavery after he saw the nakedness of the father but instead of covering him he went ahead and told it to his brothers.

Basing on this argument therefore, Americans justify themselves on the existence of slave. Douglass does not however blame Christianity for such cruel acts but instead he gives thanks to God with the full knowledge that Christianity is based on good morals.

Under all circumstances, slave owning can never be compatible or else be inexistence wherever true Christianity is present. Christian morals are therefore suggested to conflict with the act of slavery. This is well represented when Douglass explains how Mrs. Auld in the representation of her angelic character and a woman who held perfect model that every Christian woman should uphold.

He presents her when he first met her to have a face that seemed to be like that of the heavenly smiles by the fact that she could even treat slaves in full equality as she could allow them to have a eye contact with her, an experience that Douglass had not encountered with white women. Soon after being instructed on slave treatment by her husband she then changes drastically as from the essence of an angel to a devilish character where according to Douglass her face afterwards changed into a demonic look (Douglass 33).

The hypocrisy of Christianity is presented where slavery is not liable to the guidelines that are present in Christian teachings. It is a fact that is illustrated in the more the teaching of the Christian values, the more the increase of cruelty in slavery acts. A good case is illustrated when Auld had gone for a religious camp and upon his return he changed from worse to worst in the relation to the slave treatment. This is not all, as what is written in the bible is used to exercise more cruelty.

A crippled woman was severely whipped by the argument that God permits the masters to whip their servants who fail to the commands of their masters with support of the bible verse found in Luke chapter 12 verses 47. As represented in the story, Christianity is seen to serve individual’s needs, monetary, and political aspect of just a group portion and not the liberty of all. This does not however stops or demoralize Douglass being one of the slaves in his belief concerning Christianity.

In the comparison of the Christianity practices held by the slaves to that of the slaveholders, the slave version represent Christianity that is pure, existence of full peace in it, an impartial with full representation of Christ. This kind of Christianity does not advocate for the corrupt deals, slaveholding where slaves continually believe for their redemption in God and it is also against women whipping; slaves represent a pure Christianity while the slaveholders hold a hypocritical Christianity.

Slaves view Christianity as a saving grace where they find joy even as they participate in the spiritual activities as they sing songs and all worship forms such as prayers (Douglass 18). Slaveholders are then busy in their perfect hypocrisy where they perfectly do directly opposite of what is expected of them.

Slave mode of Christianity, present good spirit that comes from God. This spirit ministers to them through the angel thus they live in hope through faith. Douglass presents this kind of faith through the offering of praises to God despite the mistreatment from the slaveholders with thanksgiving (Douglass 32).

Slaveholders on contrary to this they also offer some prayers where one would think that upon prayers the good spirit would work on them and maybe show some good deeds to the slaves. Thomas and his wife who were one of the slaveholders, held prayers to God an act which they carried on daily bases asking God for his blessings in the increase of their basket. Out of these prayers there was no good spirit which even could have caused them to give at least enough food to their slaves.

Christianity is demonstrated to be affected by the present of inequalities which are present between the slaves and the slaveholders. This therefore led direct opposite of the kind of life which was lived by these two parties in terms of collective and practical life thus differing in the spiritual lives.

They however carry some activities in common even though the result of these activities is manifested differently in both of the parties. For instance they are both involved in making prayers to God which is a common practice to all Christians. Both parties use the bible which is the Christian guideline even though the slaveholders use it for their justification of their cruel deeds.

In conclusion, Christianity is presented as the main religion by Douglass where it serves two roles: the symbolic functions and the narrative functions. The false Christianity is represented by what he refers as the hypocritical Christianity in America which the whites practiced who bastardized genuine Christianity.

It is clearly evidenced from the story that Christianity cannot be said to exist where slavery is present as these are two opposing forces. Simultaneous way of life of both forces is also represented as impossible as Christianity only exist where there is purity and thus any slavery introduction will automatically corrupt it.

The entire reason behind the juxtaposition of Christianity was not however meant to just expose the troubles which are encountered through the human bondage. There is therefore an explicitly of how political statement on ideals contortions behind fitting into present situations (Douglass 18).

Works Cited

Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. New York: Prestwick House Inc, 2005.

How Can Literacy Affect One’s Life? Essay Introduction

Literacy is a skill that is never late to acquire because it is essential for education, employment, belonging to the community, and ability to help one’s children. Those people, who cannot read, are deprived of many opportunities for professional or personal growth. Unwillingness to become literate can be partly explained by lack of resources and sometimes shame; yet, these obstacles can and should be overcome.

How Can Literacy Affect One’s Life? Essay Main Body

First, one can say that literacy is crucial for every person who wants to understand the life of a society. It is also essential for ability to critically evaluate the world and other people. In his book, Frederick Douglass describes his experiences of learning to read. Being a slave, he had very few opportunities for education.

Moreover, planters were unwilling to teach their slaves any reading skills because they believed that literacy would lead to free thinking and slaves’ aspirations for freedom (Douglass, 96). Overall, they were quite right in their assumption because literacy gives people access to information, and they understand that they can achieve much more than they have. This can be one of the reasons for learning to read.

Yet, literary is essential for many other areas of life, for example, employment. Statistical data show that low-literate adults remain unemployed for approximately six months of the year (Fisher, 211). This problem becomes particularly serious during the time when economy is in the state of recession. It is particularly difficult for such people to retain their jobs especially when businesses try to cut their expenses on workforce.

One should take into account that modern companies try to adapt new technologies or tools, and the task of a worker is to adjust to these changes. Thus, literacy and language proficiency are important for remaining competitive. Furthermore, many companies try to provide training programs to their employees, but participation in such programs is hardly possible with basic reading skills. Thus, these skills enable a person to take advantage of many opportunities.

Additionally, one has to remember that without literacy skills people cannot help their children who may struggle with their homework assignments. Moreover, ability to read enables a person to be a part of the community in which he or she lives. In his essay The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society, Jonathan Kozol eloquently describes the helplessness of illiterate people.

This helplessness manifests itself in a variety of ways; for example, one can mention inability to read medicine prescriptions, contracts, ballot papers, official documents, and so forth (Kozol, unpaged). While speaking about these people, Jonathan Kozol uses the expression “an uninsured existence” which means that they are unaware of their rights, and others can easily exploit them (Kozol, unpaged). To a great extent, illiterate individuals can just be treated as second-class citizens.

This is a danger that people should be aware of. To be an active member of a community, one has to have access to a variety of informational resources, especially, books, official documents, newspapers, printed announcements, and so forth. For illiterate people, these sources are inaccessible, and as a result, they do not know much about the life of a village, town, city, or even a country in which they live.

In some cases, adults are unwilling to acquire literacy skills, because they believe that it is too late for them to do it. Again, one has to remember that there should always be time for learning, especially learning to read.

Secondly, sometimes people are simply ashamed of acknowledging that they cannot read. In their opinion, such an acknowledgment will result in their stigmatization. Yet, by acting in such a way, they only further marginalize themselves. Sooner or later they will admit that ability to read is important for them, and it is better to do it sooner.

Apart from that, people should remember that there are many education programs throughout the country that are specifically intended for people with low literacy skills (Fisher, 214). Certainly, such programs can and should be improved, but they still remain a chance that illiterate adults should not miss. If these people decide to seek help with this problem, they will be assisted by professional educators who will teach them the reading skills that are considered to be mandatory for an adult person.

Although it may seem a far-fetched argument, participation in such programs can open the way to further education. As it has been said by Frederick Douglass learning can be very absorbing and learning to read is only the first step that a person may take (Douglass, 96). This is another consideration that one should not overlook.

The Importance of Literacy: Essay Conclusion

Overall, these examples demonstrate that ability to read can open up many opportunities for adults. Employment, education, and ability to uphold one’s rights are probably the main reasons why people should learn to read. Nonetheless, one should not forget that professional growth and self-development can also be very strong stimuli for acquiring or improving literacy skills. Therefore, people with poor literacy skills should actively seek help in order to have a more fulfilling life.

Works Cited

Douglass, Frederick. “Learning to Read.” Life and Times of Frederick Douglass.

Frederick Douglass. New York: Kessinger Publishing, 2004. Print.

Fisher, Nancy. “Literacy Education and the Workforce: bridging the gap.” Journal of Jewish Communal Service 82. 3 (2007): 210-215. Print.

Kozol, Jonathan. The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society. Vanderbilt Students of Nonviolence, 2008. Web.

Nietzsche begins in the first treatise of the Genealogy of Morality. The author explores a transformation that came alongside his hopes and wishes. He recounts how he went through a learning process that made him know how to read as well as some of the duties he had to undertake as a slave. He laments that it would have been necessary for his slaveholder to be trained before she could train others. According to Douglass, he was being treated like a desperate creature in the process of learning how to read, which he terms to be immoral (chapter 14 p167). Moreover, the mistress became more violent as she pressed Douglass to learn. The writer argues that moral philosophy does require a lot of knowledge. Unfortunately, his mistress lacked this imperative philosophy which the writer thinks is very important in handling people.

The process of learning how to read and write was not a smooth ride for Douglass. He criticizes that in spite of the perceived knowledge he was getting as a slave, this very light in the form of knowledge “had penetrated the moral dungeon” (chapter 14 p174). In this pursuit for knowledge, he was whipped bitterly alongside being restricted to move at will. This according to Douglass’ criticism was a form of “moral” stipulated by his master but in a real sense as it was immoral.

In chapter fourteen, the author gives an account of his personal encounter while he was in St. Michaels. He narrates about the village life and the activities of its occupants. Although St. Michaels had previously boasted of being a community endowed with the skill of constructing ships, this business reputation almost went down due to acts of immorality and equally bad manners. The random drinking behaviour which was hitherto adopted by fishermen at St. Michaels was in itself a lack of morals (chapter 14 p187).

As a slave at St. Michael, Douglass detested such habits as stealing. However, he did not hesitate to feed himself to the full whenever he came across food. According to the author, taking food without permission from his slave master was a clear manifestation of the said lack of morals. He nevertheless ventured into such acts of “immorality” because his labour had been used to obtain the same foodstuff and yet he was being deprived of something to eat. In fact, his account of stealing from the master should not be established as immoral because it is the slave who is used to produce all these products. He further exemplifies that the moral nature of a liberal society has no meaning as well as connection whatsoever to an enslaved society. Those who own slaves have created an atmosphere where slaves cannot engage in any wrongdoing (chapter 16 p246).

Finally, Douglass is understood to exemplify his criticism of morality when he asserts that people who are enslaved in the right manner have the ability to fill their thoughts and dreams with the desire to enjoy their freedom (chapter18 p254). During the holiday period, the enslaved man finds it a welcome idea to explore his long-forgotten freedom by enjoying his liberty through wrongdoings. In practice, slavery becomes an institution of injustice whereby the comfort of a slave is disregarded. It is therefore morally right for the enslaved to engage in merrymaking activities during the holidays without being regarded as social misfits (chapter 17 p 179). Additionally, the writer confirms that slave patrons from religious backgrounds seem to be the most detestable irrespective of the societal morals they should possess.

Frederick Douglass was a slave in America where there were a lot of inequalities between the slaveholders and the slaves. Slaves were mistreated in terms of being whipped, not given enough to eat, poor resting conditions as their bed was just the floor; generally slaves hardly received the basic needs from their masters.

Both parties happened to believe and claim to practice the same religion- Christianity. One fails to understand why the inequalities and yet they both practiced the same faith. Religion therefore as presented in Douglass narrative story serves two roles; basically the symbolic functions and the narrative functions. This discussion therefore is inclusive of role played by religion in depth as the Christianity of the white south contrast to that of the black slave.

To start with, religion has been used to justify the suffering of the black slaves. The religious slaveholders oppressed the slaves as they argued that God admitted for the slave existence when He cursed Ham. This is found in the Christian teachings as they used the bible as their guide.

According to the scripture in the book of Genesis chapter 9 verses 24, Ham was cursed by the father Noah after he had seen the nakedness of his father and failed to cover him but instead told it to his brothers. Ham was then cursed into the bondage of slavery thus the whites believed that they were right in the practice of slavery (Douglass 11).

According to the Christian teachings, God gave the masters power to discipline their servants if they failed to do as they were commanded. This is well illustrated when a crippled woman received a severe whip when she failed to do as she was commanded by her master. In these two instances and many others, the teachings from the bible were used to the exercise of more cruel acts.

Douglass however does not blame the religiosity which is on the Christian teachings in the slavery acts which they faced, but he instead gives thanks to God with the full knowledge that the religion where he practiced Christianity was based on good morals (Douglass 32). Douglass and other slaves practice of Christianity contrasts with the Christianity that is practiced by the slaveholders.

The Christianity practiced by the black slaves is represented as the Christianity that is inexistence of purity, complete in peace in it, and also it serves as the full representation of the nature of Christ Himself and thus carrying out the activities in unity. Unity was present when Douglass held on the good spirit of letting his fellow slaves learn how to read and even offering his time to teach them.

Slaves’ Christianity does not support any corrupt deals, oppression through the act of slave holding or cruelty but instead, slaves continually believe and pray to God for their redemption. It is also against women whipping and any other form of whipping as they present a pure Christianity. Christianity is therefore a saving grace to slaves (Douglass 18).

On the other hand, Christianity represented by the slaveholders who were the whites from the south, is a hypocritical kind of Christianity. They offer prayers to God, hold Christians activities like preaching and keeping the Sabbath. They at the same time honor the Christmas period where Christians cerebrates the birth of their Lord Jesus Christ and the New Year as a sigh of appreciating God for His mercies to have them see the New Year.

One would automatically think that out of these Christian practices, they would at least show some good spirit in their deeds but instead they continue to oppress slaves. They even fail to give them enough food where they themselves have plenty to eat. According to Christian teachings, every person should actually love his or her neighbor and treat her of him in the best way possible. This is however not the case with the whites south.

The white slave holders have all through misused the Christianity institution as they take it for their advantages in gaining their selfish gains. One fails to understand why they do misrepresent Christianity. For instance, they used to give the slaves holidays during the Christmas and the New Year period.

One might assume that they did it out of good spirit so that slaves could have at least some time to rest. In fact this is however not right as the slave holders in their canning ways, planned on how slaves could get more drunk during this period where Christianity do not advocate drunkenness. They did this through betting with the slaves so as they could compete on who was able to drink a lot of whisky and still remain in soberness for a longer period. All what they enjoyed in, was to see slaves misuse what they had saved.

Douglass has spent much of his writing illustrating much on the main religion which is Christianity. He does this to show how much slavery and Christianity at any time can not be said to be compatible.

Christianity cannot be inexistence wherever slavery is present as slavery is an act that promotes inequalities in the human being treatment and lack of humanity. Religiosity portrayed in Christianity advocate for love and thus wherever slavery is practiced, this virtue is absent. The fact is Christianity religion is highly affected by the presence of slavery.

There is therefore a direct opposite kinds of life as what is illustrated in the Douglass writing that are lived by the both parties: slaves and their masters in terms of social life and the practical part of it, thus bringing out some differences in their spiritual lives. He therefore uses the juxtaposition of Christianity in the emphasis that there can still be a true Christianity rather than the representation of the hypocritical one (Douglass 18).

In conclusion, it is clearly evidenced that religion which is presented in the form of Christianity plays a very significant role in the entire Douglass story. It is illustrated as a means of serving individual’s need, monetary aspects, and political values just for a group portion and not to the liberty of all.

All these facts do not demoralize Douglass and his colleagues who were slaves in the belief concerning Christianity. In fact, they considered searching the will and the knowledge of God through reading instead of performing other acts like drinking of whisky which would on the other hand displease God.

They wanted just to be different rather than the act of calling themselves Christians and yet they do against God’s will. Christianity religion is therefore presented by the slaveholders as their reverence when defending their cruel acts where as to the slaves; it is the only source of consolation especially unto their souls. In difficult times, they believed God for His mercies and deliverance.

Works Cited

Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. New York: Prestwick House Inc, 2005.

People tend to create legends to be inspired by. Frederick Douglass is, undoubtedly, one of the most inspirational figures in the history of the United States. However, it is possible to assume that his story had another ending. Perhaps, he could have lived his free life in a different way.

When Frederick Douglas came to a free state, he was quite at a loss as he had a different view of the place where people’s welfare did not depend on slavery. He expected people in the north to be poor and miserable and he regarded that poverty as “the necessary consequence of their being non-slaveholders” (Douglass 111).

However, the man was surprised to see that people in the north were healthier and wealthier there. He was also astonished to see that conditions colored people lived in were absolutely different. Douglass was amazed and happy to find out about the new world. Many good and kind people helped him find some job and reunite with his future wife.

Frederick Douglass also knew that the north was not a safe place for an escaped slave as colored people were “pursued by merciless men-hunters” (Douglass 112). Mr. David Ruggles helped Douglass in his hardest times in New York. The kind man also gave Frederick a valuable piece of advice to move to New Bedford. This was a new start for the escaped slave. He had to work very hard. He had to endure hostility. He did not have enough money. However, he did not have to give his money to Master Hugh.

Soon Douglass had to provide for his family as he soon had his little children. He was not afraid of hard work, but he still remembered about men-hunters and traitors even among colored people. Thus, Douglass remembered that there was one man of color, an escaped slave, who wanted to betray his fellows.

During a meeting of colored people which was called “Business of importance!” those who were there sentenced the traitor to death (Douglass 112). Though the traitor escaped no one ever heard of him. This mutual help, justice and empathy helped Frederick feel safer.

He also knew that men of color gathered and tried to work out strategies and policies to change the situation. Douglass knew that many people strived for abolition of slavery. There were leaflets and newspapers, there were meeting where people discussed their issues. Frederick shared similar views and he also sought for abolition of slavery.

However, he did not participate in the struggle as he was focused on his family. He knew that if something happened to him, his wife and kids could simply die. Thus, Douglas focused on his work. His persistence and diligence helped him earn respect. Those who knew him were eager to give him work and even white people (those who were aware of his qualities) were not hostile to him anymore. Douglass always had enough work and enough money. His family did not starve which was the most important.

Once he was approached by a man who asked whether Douglass wanted to take the “Liberator” (Douglass 114). Of course, he did not have money to spare, but he still became a subscriber. Douglass was inspired by the newspaper and he also attended a variety of meetings where he listened to speakers but never dared to speak. He was inspired by people like William Lloyd Garrison. Douglass heard a lot of stories and he had so much to say. Nonetheless, he kept silent as he was afraid of men-hunters.

He continued working hard and dreaming about a truly free country. When the war started he could not be aside. He fought for the north as he knew that southerners had to lose otherwise slavery would never be abolished.

He was wounded in one of risky operations and sent back home. He was a hero. When Douglass heard about abolition of slavery, he was with his family. Now he stopped being afraid. He blessed the names of those who made so much to end the disgraceful practice. Douglass worshiped Lincoln as well as Fred Johnson, an escaped slave who managed to become one of the most prominent abolitionists in the history of the USA.

After the Civil War hardships of Frederick Douglass came to an end. He started a venture with another veteran of the war. The business was quite successful and Douglass could now help many other less fortunate people. He still participated in a variety of gatherings of people of color as emancipation of black people was only the start of their struggle. There was so much injustice.

Frederick Douglass became one of the most prominent people of color in New Bedford. He donated to several organizations which fought for the rights of people of color. He even started speaking at meetings. His speeches were very inspirational as he told true stories.

Soon after his first speech, however, he was murdered. His murderers were never found. Nonetheless, the first speech of this man remains one of the most inspirational calls to continue the struggle for rights of people of color which are still studied during history classes.

Works Cited

Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2009. Print.

One of the main ideas that are being explored throughout the course of Frederick Douglass’s autobiography is the fact that, while subjecting Black slaves to an inhumane treatment, Southern slave-owners were drawing their inspiration out of the Bible, as such does, in fact, endorse slavery in a rather explicit manner.

In its turn, this helps to explain why the author decided to conclude his literary masterpiece with A Parody – a poem, formatted in a similar manner with the Southern church-hymn Heavenly Union, which used to be particularly liked by these slave-owners.

Apparently, by doing it, Douglass strived to emphasize the hypocritical ways of Southern slave-owning Bible-thumpers, who used to be thoroughly comfortable with indulging in two mutually incompatible activities, at the same time – treating Black slaves in terms of a soulless commodity and congratulating each other on the sheer strength of their commitment to the ‘religion of peace and tolerance’.

Had Douglass chosen in favor of conveying this particular message directly (such as in the form of a narrative, for example), the dramatic effect of his exposure of the pretentious essence of slave-owners’ piousness would not be quite as strong.

This is because then, readers would be tempted to think that, while criticizing these people’s religious hypocrisy, Douglass was concerned with advancing his point of view of the subject matter. On the other hand, while being exposed to Douglass’s Parody, readers can exercise complete liberty, while interpreting what accounts for this poetic piece’s subtle message.

While doing it, however, they will inevitably end up subscribing to the author’s vision of Southern slave-owners, known for their tendency to praise the Lord ‘till it hurts’, as being nothing short of vicious and greed-driven beasts, concerned with only one thing – making money at the expense of denying Black slaves their fundamental human rights.

After all, just as Douglass masterfully showed it, one’s senses of piousness and greed may not only coexist peacefully within the same mind, but they actually define each other rather organically – just as the poem’s lines, concerned with exposing Bible-thumpers’ actual deeds, define the sounding of tracks, in which these people express their self-presumed righteousness.

This is exactly the reason why Douglass’s Parody has traditionally been considered one of the most powerful indictments of slavery. Apparently, Douglass’s poetic piece provides readers with an in-depth insight into the counterproductive nature of just about any organized religion, which promotes the notion there are ‘chosen people’, favored by God, on the one hand, and ‘infidels’, which deserve no mercy, on the other.