A Slave In Form By Frederick Douglass Analysis

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A “slave in form” refers to Douglass’ legal status of being a slave. A “slave in fact” refers to the lack of pride and self-determination he possesses as a human being. This dichotomy develops throughout the novel. At first, Douglass is not only physically shackled by slavery but emotionally limited because of this self-identity. As the novel progresses, Douglass goes through a striking transformation: over time, he begins to see himself as a free-standing human being, despite remaining a” slave in form.” Although there is an obvious turning point, this happened over time. Douglass displayed true freedom of thought at a young age when, despite his master’s protests, he decided he wanted to learn to read. Later, reading leads to understanding and allows him to help the abolitionist cause. By exercising the individuality necessary to go against one’s master’s wishes, Douglass inadvertently began the long journey towards true autonomy.
Throughout the novel, there are moments that foreshadow Douglass’ ultimate moment of truth, during which he realizes that he is a free-standing person who does no need to submit his will anyone. This is revealed in the many forms, for example: resistant thoughts, …show more content…

Covey’s farm, Douglass is so desperate for change and so fearful for his life that he travels seven miles, by foot, to his previous master, Master Thomas’ house to discuss his placement. Although, he turns from one slave master to another, the act of asking for help and trying to change one’s life circumstances shows individualism. The moment he decided to take that journey. He was acting freely, although once again, he wasn’t truly thinking about the implications of his actions. He was simply at the end of his reserve and could no longer go on, so he had to change something. He was not yet aware that the ability to think and want change, and furthermore, to act on that desire, is a process that only free men

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