The poem “Frederick Douglas” by Robert Hayden praises the nineteenth century abolitionist named Frederick Douglas and displays a visualization of a restored future for African Americans. The effect brought on from Hayden by referring to liberty as “this beautiful and terrible thing” is a mind opening one. The purpose of this comparison is to salute freedom while recognizing the hardship that people must overcome when chasing liberty. Dating back to the dark times of slavery, freedom and liberty for America has been filled with controversy. Yet in this poem, Robert pays tribute to Frederick Douglass by recognizing the adversities that come along with happiness. In the abstract, liberty is both “beautiful” and “frightening” because of the challenges