An Autobiography of What He Went Through as a Slave in The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas

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The Narrative Perspective of Frederick Douglass The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is an autobiography written by Frederick Douglass himself. No one knows the hardships and difficult times that Frederick Douglass went through as a slave, better than himself. That is why Frederick Douglass is considered to be, in my opinion, is the most reliable author when it comes to telling the story of his life as a slave. Frederick Douglass was born in Talbot County, Maryland around the year 1817 or 1818. Soon after Douglass was born, he was separated from his mother and was sent to Baltimore to work as a servant. Since he was separated from his mother at such a young age, Douglass did not develop a bond with her. After her death, he stated, “Never having enjoyed, to any considerable extent, her soothing presence, her tender and watchful care, I received the tidings of her death with much the same emotions I should have probably felt the death of a stranger” (Douglass). It’s truly sad that he felt no emotions after loosing his own mother, it’s also sad that he was separated from her at such a young age, that no bond between the two had been created. Douglass never met his father, though he was told he was a white man. Living as a slave is an awful way to live your life, but unfortunately, Frederick Douglass along with many other slaves back then didn’t have a choice. Douglass’ first master, Captain Anthony, was a very cruel man, as were many slave owners. He once witnessed Captain Anthony whipping his Aunt Hester. Douglass felt helpless because there was nothing he could do to help her. Douglass stated, “I remember the first time I ever witnessed this horrible exhibition. I was quite a child, but I well remember it. I never sha... ... middle of paper ... ..., and continued to fight for what he wanted in life; which was his freedom. As the narrator of the story, he presents himself as a very reasonable man. He allows himself to see both sides to any issue throughout his story, and he was always able to share his thoughts and deep feeling. I believe that with the more hardships that Douglass was faced with, the stronger he became as a man. Douglass stated, “Sincerely and earnestly hoping that this little book may do something toward throwing light on the American slave system, and hastening the glad day of deliverance to the millions of my brethren in bonds- faithfully relying upon the power of truth, love, and justice, for success in my humble efforts- and solemnly pledging my self anew to the sacred cause, - I subscribe myself” (Douglass). There was no better person to tell his story, then Frederick Douglass himself.

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