Frederick Douglass Response Paper

In the book, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, the author gives accounts of his life as a slave in the 19th century. The narrative also highlights the abolitionist movement in the US, giving details about slavery. It has important information regarding the wishes of the slaves to be set free. Issues such as slavery, economic and political alignments took center-stage in the US in the nineteenth century and the early 20th century. According to Douglass (2014), the slaves were exposed to vices such as inequality and favoritism in behaviors based on originality, economic and social status. The masters created societies by integrating ideas that certainly had no universal appeal. For purposes of this paper, I will also examine the narrative

Through slave trade, people were isolated from their families and homes and taken to unknown areas to work. Provision and access to essential services was poor as the slaves were deemed inferior. The practice thus led to regulation of some economic, educational and social services to the disadvantage of the slaves. Enslaved individuals remained determined to being freed. Mary Prince, for instance, stayed in England where she gave evidence in two libel cases. Through her efforts and other advocacy groups, the country finally passed the Slavery Abolition Act. Slavery in the US was detrimental to the lives of the slaves due to the harsh conditions they faced in their daily engagements. The masters perceived themselves as more valuable in both economic and social status compared to the

Having technical skills allowed an individual to work in slightly better positions such as supervisors or skilled-labor. Literacy allowed the slaves to communicate their grievances to the world. Literate slaves wrote letters explaining the situation they were undergoing under their masters. Moving to Baltimore was important for Douglass as he would have otherwise remained under slavery. It also gave him increased hope about his future. In Baltimore, he got a chance to acquire basic education. As such, he could learn and spell words. His master, Mr. Auld was not pleased with the matter as he observed that slaves ill turn against the masters. It is at this point that Douglass realized the importance of acquiring education and skills. He started learning and reading as many materials he could find to enhance his knowledge and expertise. His ability to read and write enabled him to learn the meaning of the word ‘abolition’ hence developed the idea of running away to the South. Douglass learned trading skills that helped him influence other slaves to escape from their worrying situations. Skills helped him get employment as an apprentice in a shipyard as well as a caller. He later escaped and became independent. Being a good orator, he became a leading figure in the abolitionist movement. Acquisition of education, for instance, led to the creation of a civilized and intellectual society that could read and