Frederick Douglass Hardships

8 The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (a great work) is an autobiography that depicts the life of Frederick Douglass and his struggles while he was a slave. Throughout the book, we are told of the hardships that slaves faced on a daily basis before the Civil War ended. 2 The unjust, inhumane, cruel treatment from his masters is a big factor in Douglass’ decision to risk his life to escape slavery. During Douglass’ time as a slave, Mrs. Auld was very kind to him and even taught him how to read. Learning how to read was a big deal for Douglass because knowledge is one step in the path to freedom for slaves. 3 The knowledge Douglass possessed, whether it be a good thing or not, was the beginning of the liberty that he wished for.

Learning to read showed Douglass that the world outside of slavery was not as easy as it seemed, but also showed Douglass how evil slavery was. Douglass found out what the word “abolition” meant, and said how he “always expect[ed] to hear something of importance to [him]self and fellow‐ slaves” when he heard this word, but never did (30). Adding to his grief was the self realization that he was “in a horrible pit, but to no ladder” on which he could use (29). Being able to read also showed Douglas how “wretched [his] condition” was and how he could do nothing about it (29). 4 Douglass, now undoubtedly, knew that he would always be looking for liberty for his duration as a

The disrepect that Douglass was constantly shown took its toll on him, and he eventually snapped. Douglass “resolved to fight” because he was tired of being treated like property (43). No one can put themselves in the shoes of slave and understand the abuse they constantly went through, but we can all imagine that it would get old at some point. Douglass’ actions deserves praise because not many slaves had the guts and willingness to say no to their master, let alone lay a hand on them. Douglass said he fought Covey because he decided “to be used no longer” (44). Douglass was treated the same as a rock for all of his life, and that caused him to want to get out of slavery and escape into the real