The theme of slavery has been a considerable issue for a long period of time. Some people found this fact injurious; some people tried to make as many benefits as possible; some people could not stand why so many brave and smart people did nothing to change the situation. The story written by Frederick Douglas is the story of an American slave, who succeeded in proving that education could be the required salvation from to freedom.
People just had to strive for it and take reasonable and well-grounded steps. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas is a chance to learn how an ordinary slave could understand the opportunities and achieve the goal to be free; the example of Douglas should inspire people regardless their race or nationality to realize that their lives could be changed for better with time if some actions take place.
Douglas does not use too complicated words or ideas to describe his life. Each though has its sense, and each action is properly explained. He is not ashamed to admit his weaknesses or inabilities or to tell about his strengths and desires. Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey was born in slavery in the family of his mother’s master, Mr. Lloyd.
He was soon separated with his mother. Being poorly aware of his origins, his father, and his opportunities, the child became a servant. “It is a common custom, in the part of Maryland… to part children from their mother at a very early age” (Douglas par. 28).
For a certain period of time, Douglas worked at the Mr. Severe’s plantation in Talbot County. Being a little boy, he changed several masters because it was hard to find enough work for a slave of a young age.
He could not be a field hand; therefore, he could perform various duties at a house. At the age of 10/11 (Douglas did not know his exact date of birth), he was sent to the Auld’s where his mistress showed him a new side of life. Douglas was inspired by the possibilities available to people. He understood that there was a choice to be made by every slave. “I got it [understanding the pathway from slavery to freedom] at a time when I the least expected it” (Douglas par. 77).
At the age of 12, he realized that slave life is not for him. The experience he got being a slave of Mr. Covey made him more confident about his intentions. After a terrible fight with the master because of brutal treatment in regards to all slaves, Douglas did not provide any other person whipped him again. The work at Mr. Freeland provided Douglas with a chance to earn more money as a caulker and escape. With time, he married a free black woman, Anna Murray, and became a famous lecturer at a famous anti-slavery society.
I think that there three main stages in Douglas’s life that made him who he was. First, it was the separation of his mother, when he understood that nothing could be done against the prejudices and rules inherent to society. Second, it was the communication with Sophia Auld, who helped him to start his education. And finally, his battle with Mr. Covey that opened him the door rebellions and the possibility to protect his rights and demands by means of action.
Work Cited
Douglas, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas an American Slave. Boston: Anti-Slavery Office no. 25 Cornhill, 2012. The Project Gutenberg EBook. Web.