Frederick Douglass In Gary Paulsen's Nightjohn

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Frederick Douglass once said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress”. In NightJohn, it follows the life of slaves. Nightjohn, who shows up with a rope around his neck and scars all over him. He is a young African American who puts his life on the line for others no matter how many beatings he gets. His dream is to go around teaching kids to read and write so that they can document everything that is happening to them. This is how he met Sarny, a beautiful young girl, 12 years of age, with the dedication to learn and be free. Although Gary Paulsen’s novel, Nightjohn, is considered historical fiction, the descriptions of determination to learn, resistance to conditions, and support to one another can be corroborated with multiple sources. …show more content…
This was a way that helped them talk for themselves since their voices weren’t taken seriously. They didn’t want to be pushed around so instead some of the took action. In NightJohn, if anyone disobeyed the “master” they would have big consequences waiting for them. In Solomon Northup-autobiography, states, “...they are not allowed to learn the art of swimming…”. As he was attempting to run away he had to know how to get around the area. As a slave, you’re not allowed to inherit information that can help you escape. However, Solomon did and later swam into the stream while trying to catch his breath as he was recently running away from the bloodhound. Another is when later, in the same autobiography, Solomon escaped from where he was being held. This was considered restriction to conditions because as we all know, slaves were not allowed to escape along with many other regulations put on them. This was some of their ways to act out and be heard. No matter the consequences and how hurt they were, slaves would always go to the fullest even if it meant they could be killed. To many slaves, even attempting to break free or even not listening to their “master” showed you tried to stand up for yourself and others. Even the thought of attempting to run away would get you in trouble. Many slaves took the risk and disobeyed the orders set on
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