Life Of Frederick Douglass And The Red Badge Of Courage

The Red Badge of Courage and Frederick Douglass’s slave narrative, “Life of Frederick Douglass,” depict the same theme of courage throughout both stories. Frederick Douglass is an enslaved man residing in Maryland. When Douglass escapes, he writes his slave narrative about the hard reality of enslavement and about his escape. Douglass fundamentally believes in the abolishment of slavery and makes that point prominent in his narrative. The Red Badge of Courage is a film about Henry Fleming, a teenager who enlisted himself in the Union Army and is striving for glory. Courage is displayed by determination and manhood throughout The Red Badge of Courage and Frederick Douglass’s slave narrative. Courageousness strongly describes both Henry Fleming

Frederick Douglass highly respected the concept of manhood. He believes manhood is that slaves should have rights, independence, and the ability to enjoy privileges that God has given them.“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free,” Douglass states. Douglass taught himself how to read and write, giving himself an advantage in the world outside of slavery. Henry Fleming’s concept of manhood transforms over the duration of the film. In the course of his time served, Fleming becomes invested in his regiment and begins to value his fellow soldiers in a selfless manner. Fleming does this by taking the risk to wave the Union flag proudly. Fleming experiences personal growth through the development of manhood and is transformed into a courageous man. The hardships faced and brutality during the Civil War changes Fleming and develops him as a

Frederick Douglass’s determination freed him from slavery while Henry Fleming’s determination led him to finally earn the courageous gratification he strived for. Douglass is aware of the physical destruction slavery has on a person and is determined to escape and abolish that. Douglass understands the withhold in capability being illiterate has on a person, and he was determined to teach himself how to read and write. Fleming’s determination allowed him to achieve his goal of becoming a courageous hero, although it was not an easy task. Fleming entered the War as a youthful, innocent, soldier and transformed into a tried and trustworthy man. Without self-determination, neither of the men’s achievements would have been followed through