Analysis Of Frederick Douglass Narrative - 1597 Words

Frederick Douglass’ Narrative serves as an influential text which provides detailed examples of how slavery allowed a country and a government to justify the brutal dehumanization and oppression of an entire race of people. Using personal experience, Douglass explains how the slave institution not only dehumanized himself, but also how the process affected other slaves and the slaveowners as well. Douglass relies on a strong imagery relating back to animals to show this dehumanization process, which the essay will be discussion and critically analysing the effectiveness of using imagery to present his arguments. Douglass begins by stating how dehumanization begins from birth. It is rare for a slave to know precisely when they were born,†¦show more content†¦In fact, Douglass discusses about when he was first offered a pair of trouser from his mistress, and how he eagerly scrubbed away at the mange and dead skin on his feet and knees for three days in hope of the precious reward. The fact that something as simple as trouser was considered to be a high reward and luxury by slaves shows a level of dehumanization, as clothes were a normal commodity for white people. By using the word â€Å"mange†, it likens Douglass to a stray dog, who by scrubbing away at his skin hopes to become suitable for a good home. Children would also be fed â€Å"mush†, which was boiled, coarse corn meal, which they would eat off the floor with whatever they could use. At night, children and adults alike would be expected to sleep on the floor together, and Douglass laments how his feet were cra cked from exposure to frost during the night. Throughout his reflection of his childhood, Douglass refers to how the children were regularly referred to as â€Å"pigs†, and how their were forced to mimic the behaviour of pigs due to how they were treat by their owners. The children are forced to fight in order to gain the most food, or to have clothing, which instates a mindset of individuality early on in their lives: only the toughest will survive. This individualistic mindset is dangerous, as it further prevents slaves from forming bonds in fear that they will lose precious resources, including favour with their master. By showing humanity,Show MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass1450 Words   |  6 PagesReid Champlin Mrs. Stack AP English, Period 7 14 August 2015 In His Own Words: Analysis of The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass They say that one can never fully understand a situation until he/she is put into that scenario themselves. Too often, history is written by those who have only read and researched the issues, remaining distant and objective to get all the facts straight. While there is honor in this approach, one cannot experience the horror of war, the thrill of victory, orRead MoreFrederick Douglass Narrative Analysis1333 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout his Narrative, Frederick Douglass exposes his belief that freedom from slavery comes through a combination of knowledge and self-agency, and through his personal experience, delineates a model for abolitionism. Although his Narrative does represent an autobiography, Douglass has a higher purpose in mind beyond simple recollection; Douglass wants to convert people to the cause of abolitionism and illuminate what it truly means to join the cause, through exposition of his own life and experiencesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Narrative, By Frederick Doug lass1182 Words   |  5 Pages Significant Event #1 Frederick Douglass, the author and narrator of the Narrative, is a powerful speaker for the abolitionist movement. 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It is a highly regarded as the most famous piece of writing done by a former slave. Fredrick Douglass (1818-1895) was a social reformer, statesman, orator and writer in the United States. Douglass believed in the equality of every