Heroism: An Example Of Frederick Douglass As A Hero

Words: 626
Pages: 3

A hero is someone held in high regard and glorified for “courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” Frederick Douglass is a prime example of what could be considered a hero. Heroism can be demonstrated through physical ability or mental ability. Frederick Douglass’ heroism comes from his mental state more so than his physical. Of the two types of heroes, he’d most likely even consider himself a mental hero. This can be argued though how his mental ability contributes to his power as a hero not only for himself, but for the other slaves around him and how once his mental prowess is disintegrated he no longer has any motivation for becoming free. Frederick’s mental ability, as in his intelligence, is what makes him a hero for himself. After Mr. Auld forbade Mrs. Auld from instructing him he was able to understand the bridge from “slavery to freedom” (page 29) was knowledge. Not being educated …show more content…
Frederick’s wisdom is spread when he starts the Sabbath school and teaches the other slaves how to read. Education is something that all human beings desire, especially considering the slaves never had it. Aside from the Sabbath school, he devoted three days of the week in the winter to teaching the slaves to read. He considered this to be “bettering the condition” (page 71) of the current state of his race. Several of those who came, actually did come learned how to read and one of them actually became free. He later became involved anti-slavery reform. He spoke in colored people’s meetings despite the slight feeling of uncomfortability he dealt with at first. Since the first meeting he went to he became engaged in pleading the cause” (page 100). He became occupied with delivering speeches, distributing pamphlets and getting subscribers to the Liberator. After becoming a free man he harbored fugitive slaves many times in his house and published a newspaper to influence public