Analysis Of 'Incidents In The Life Of Frederick Douglass'

Throughout the beatings, hunger, separation, depression, and constant pain of slavery, hope and humanity are lost when slaves lack defiance. With humanity in tact, slaves desire and fight for what they deserve: a necessity to life, a universal, God-given right, freedom. The fighters, the risk-takers, and the persisters, become the survivors. Resistance is the path slaves choose in the slave narratives, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, by Harriet Jacobs’ and, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, by Frederick Douglass’. The rebellious spirit helps slaves survive by reminding them of their humanity and rightful desire to attain their freedom. This is illuminated through the way slaves fight back, the hate felt

Jacobs describes Benjamin as having “a spirit too bold and daring for a slave” (5), resulting in him throwing his master to the ground. His rebellion is the birth of his vow to gain autonomy for himself. He does not beg for mercy after being thrown in jail, but instead, insists to stay there until he is dead or sold (8). Refusal to act as a remorseful pet confirms his decision to escape. When Douglass hit Mr. Covey, “It recalled the departed self-confidence, and inspired me again with a determination to be free” (963). Douglass feels like a man again when he decides to fight. He wants to be a real, free man, not a piece of property. After making plans to escape and getting caught, Henry refuses to cross his hands to be tied, staying true to his promise to fight back (970). Dedicated to his cause, he does not give in to the slaveholder’s commands. Between animal and man, he chooses man. Both, Douglass and Henry are saved by regaining their humanity, and therefore, their motivation of

Jacobs feels a deep disgust and hatred towards her master, making her weak body feel strong with the anger coursing through her (5). She is upset with him forcing his authority upon her, as if she is not a person, but rather property. Her strong emotions, however, verify her humanity. In jail, Benjamin sends the message to his master that he will not obey the rules loud and clear. He sings and laughs, and when he gets his chains off, he sends them to his master as a reminder of his rebellion against slavery (8). Douglass hates his master, encouraging him to learn to read after Mr. Auld commands him not to do. He writes, “What he most dreaded, that I most desired. What he most loved, that I most hated” (945), illuminating how detestation leads to disobedience and disobedience leads to survival. Sparking hatred teaches him that he has the same capabilities as his white master. He, too, can learn to read, and have