Free Essay Example on Frederick Douglass Text

Introduction

Frederick Douglass emphasized the value of written language, where he argued that written documents keep ideas in their original form and pass on key information to the readers. Douglass used t think that literacy was leading him deeper into slavery but later recognized the effectiveness of the literacy tool to fight against slavery. Douglass explained that literacy gives people the opportunity to address their ideas exclusively by giving people the platform to explain different matters of concern and why they hold a particular decision. Douglass was keen on using literacy to explain his views regarding slavery and explaining the views of the slaves on how they wanted things to change (Douglas 12). Douglass attempted to escape slavery, but his fellow slaves informed their master, making it impossible for Douglass to escape. Douglass was able to escape from slavery in his second attempt.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Order now

Pathway From Slavery to Freedom

Frederick was committed to fighting slavery and not only deliver him but also the other slaves. He saw slavery as dehumanizing, and the songs sang in the plantations deepened the hatred for slavery and strengthened his sympathies for fellow slaves. The slaves normally sang the songs when they were unhappy as they represent the suffering and suffering in their hearts. However, sometimes the slaves sang to express happiness and contentment, which surprised Frederick. This is why, in his liberation endeavor, he did not trust anyone. This quote is similar to Simo'n Boli' var, who broke political independence to six nations (Wilgus 113). Simon fought for independence while Frederick fought for the freedom of the slaves. They are both liberators who were committed to delivering their nations and people from misery.

The original quotation's meaning remains the same as Douglas narrates his experiences in different plantations and his journey of fighting the slave trade (Douglas 10). Garrison’s and Wendell’s letter to Frederick validates Frederick's ability to tell his true story eloquently. Therefore, the meaning of the quotation remained the same as Frederick meant that the only way of obtaining freedom from slavery was acquiring knowledge. He had learned a lot, and he believed that he could use this knowledge to fight for freedom. In the narrative, Douglas uses imagery that reveals the dehumanizing effects of slavery. He, for example, likens the kids feeding in a trough too many pigs. He also dehumanizes the slaveholders when he says that the slaves also perceive them as animals.

Feelings

Frederick was so concerned about the welfare and the freedom of the slaves that he could not hide his feelings in the narration. The original meaning of the quotation does not change on the referenced source. The relationship between this text and Heinrich Bo¨ ll’s is identical as both leaders effectively conveyed their feelings (Bourgoin and Paula). Just like Frederick, Heinrich Bo¨ ll is praised for his ability too simply, concisely, and effectively conveys their ideas and feelings. He had a strong ethical stance, which is attributed to humanism and sympathy.

Frederick wrote the narrative intending to persuade the audience of the importance of abolishing the slave trade. He narrated what he feels about slavery and the challenges that the slaves were going through. He was a slave; thus, therefore, had first-hand experience on the issue. He had learned to read and write, which was crucial in the fight for abolishing slavery. He was taught how to read and write at an early age by his Master's wife, and although the Master stopped it, he felt that the knowledge was crucial in liberating the slaves ( Douglas 23).

Douglass stated that "They think their own better than that of others. Many, under the influence of this prejudice, think their masters are better than the masters of other slaves; and this, too, in some cases, when the very reverse is true (Douglas 17)." where he was indicating the narrative of oppression faced by people who do not have political freedom. Slaves were suffering at the time, and Douglass advocated for equality of all the people regardless of their race. The idea of political independence is also addressed challenges faced by people who lived in countries where the state-controlled all the sectors denying the people the freedom to make their own decisions. Boli´var highlighted how people from Hispanic America used unrest to fight for the freedoms from the Spanish Empire that was ruled by the rich and the Spanish royal family (Bourgoin and Paula 375). Douglas believed inequality, and this was demonstrated by his decision to work with other slaves in fighting for their rights. He once escaped from slavery because he believed in freedom of the people.

Oppression

Douglass stated that "I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity of the land (Douglas 21)," where he was indicating the narrative of oppression faced by people who do not have political freedom. Slaves were suffering at the time, and Douglass advocated for equality of all the people regardless of their race. The idea of political independence is also addressed challenges faced by people who lived in countries where the state-controlled all the sectors denying the people the freedom to make their own decisions. Douglass reflects how he was not given the opportunity to grow in his master's house, and many slaves were required to support their masters and abandon any dreams of living independently. Oppression by the leaders causes opposition among the people as they demand their rights. The two articles explain how people have been oppressed over the years.

Douglas's narrative contains many incidents where he is treated badly because of his race, including being assaulted in a cruel manner. The narrative relates to Simon Boli´var narrative relates to Douglass, where he faces discrimination in London and Venezuela (Bourgoin and Paula 375). The experiences show that determination yields result where people are able to be appreciated regardless of their race and challenges that they experience (Virgananda, Pujiyanti, and Hum). Slavery was among the largest and strongest form of oppression among people of African origin, but they have been able to overcome over the years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Frederick Douglas's text reflects the many challenges experienced by slaves, which is a representation of challenges faced by people who are denied their rights. Douglass explains his experiences of growing up as a slave and the challenges of finding freedom. Simon Boli´s var idea of freedom is that people have to struggle to be recognized and their rights to be respected. SimoSimoni´var and Douglass concur that fight for independence is inevitable for people who feel oppressed and want their freedom. Heinrich Bo¨ ll believed in treating the people in the right manner to reduce conflicts in society.

Works Cited

Bourgoin, Suzanne Michele, and Paula K. Byers. Encyclopedia of world biography. Gale Group, 1997.

Douglas, Frederick. "Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglas, an American slave written by himself." Nina Baym, Norton anthology of American literature (1845).

Virgananda, Aji Kusuma, Pujiyanti Umi, and SS M. Hum. Struggle For Freedom As Reflected In Frederick Douglass’narrative Of Life Frederick Douglass An American Slave. Diss. IAIN Surakarta, 2017.

Wilgus, A. Curtis. "Simón Bolívar an Exponent of Peace." World Affairs 102.2 (1939): 112-114.