How Does Frederick Douglass Use Of Empathy

The abounding amount of dismal stories recalled by former slaves will undeniably summon a series of emotions towards the reader. Frederick Douglass, in the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, implemented an array of literary methods that seemingly increased empathy due to his usage of tempestuous recollections.Due to the ingenuity of these methods, his argument in opposition to the system of slavery received an abundance of support and initiated one of the most influential revolutions led by abolitionists. Whereas slaves were characterized as a quintessential element for success, Frederick Douglass resolutely opposed this ideology, using many examples of indisputable deficiency of moral practices and judgement towards the

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Under its influence, the tender heart became stone, and the lamblike disposition gave way to one of tiger-like fierceness ” (52). In short,

Douglass is acknowledging the effect resulting from having complete control over a human, which soon corrupted Mrs. Auld’s well-being state and transformed her completely. Another strategy that should be acknowledged is Frederick’s usage of allusions. In this particular example, he provides insight on his close companion and uses a biblical allusion. He shows gratitude by stating that “...my friend Mr. Nathan Johnson (of whom I can say with a grateful heart, ‘I was hungry, and he gave me meat; I was thirsty, and he gave me drink; I was a stranger, and he took me in’) (118). On the other hand, negativity is shown once more through the evidence of meticulous verbal abuse. Douglass provides several examples of the large amount of profanity for others to realize that slaves are not only physical afflicted, but verbally as well.

Each of these theoretical positions play an important role in Douglass’ role of helping others realize that slavery is truly unjust.

It can be seen by the above analysis that Frederick Douglass himself is

He describes the help as so: “With their kindly aid, obtained at different times and in different places, I finally succeeded in learning to read” (52).

Unfortunately at times, he feels hostage to the fact that he has more intelligence than the other slaves. Eventually, Douglass comes to a realization that slavery and education are incompatible.

He overhears one of his masters explaining to his wife that teaching a slave will render him useless to perform laborious deeds. Despite much criticism, Douglass succumbs to the guiltiness and becomes sympathetic with his former slaves. When Douglass implements his own school to teach his former slaves how to read, he comes to the realization that although the slaves know that what they are doing is putting them in grave danger, they desire the subject of education in their lives, especially when the matter of education was never one in their lives. In all, Frederick

Douglass comes to prove that even though living a life filled with negativity, one can still be a bright and positive individual. In conclusion, Frederick Douglass stands strong on resolutely opposing the ideology of needing slaves for success. In this, he used many examples of indisputable deficiency of