Love: Slavery in the United States and Frederick Douglass Essay

Submitted By Karebearkrissie
Words: 416
Pages: 2

The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, (Douglass, 1995) is a self account of Frederick Douglass’ time spent as a slave, and the trials he overcame that eventually led to his freedom in 1838. Many aspects of slavery are discussed in the novel such as, being born into slavery, the animal-like treatment given to the slaves, and lack of education are the topics that are most important. Douglass used his slave drivers brutal, degrading tactics to give him the courage needed to free himself from the nefarious hands of slavery. Through Frederick Douglass’ many uses of metaphors and imagery, he exposed the dehumanization of slaves, the inhumanity of their captivators, and his plan to "take an ell".(Douglass 23) Douglas never could understand the main issues of slavery, especially in young age. He could not understand why he should be deprived of knowing something as little as his age, while white children could know their birthdays. Birth records were not kept for children of slavery, as a way to keep slaves ignorant. Douglass' childhood memories were plagued with confusion and terror. One memory in particular was when he witnessed his Aunt Hester's vicious beating. She hadn't been present when her master called for her, because she was out with a man who her master did not approve. Her punishment for this small act of defiance was a severe, and bloody beating. This was something that he had never been exposed to while staying with his grandmother, away from the plantation. “Bloody scenes,” (Douglass 5)such as this, haunted his memory for the rest