Narrative Of A Life Of Frederick Douglass Critical Lens Essay

During the 1800s slaves comprised most of the economy in the Southern part of the United States, forcefully taken from their countries to serve as tools in the homes of others, and deprived of education and knowledge of their lives. Because of the free labor provided, many disagreed with the abolishment of slavery and argued to keep slavery in the system. Mr. Auld, a slave master states, “A slave should know nothing but to obey his master—to do as he is told to do.” This quote gives an example of the cruelty slaves were forced to tolerate, and how they were brainwashed to follow every command like a dog to his wretched owner. In the Narrative of a Life of Fredrick Douglass, Douglass was forced to endure the cruel commands of his master, while

Within excerpt 1, it states, “I never saw my mother, to know her as such, more than four or five times in my life; and each of these times was very short in duration, and at night. She was hired by a Mr. Stewart, who lived about twelve miles from my home.” This quote explains the drastic effects of slavery negating a child’s right to be close to his family, which would destroy his mental image. As a result of the distanced relationship between Fredrick and his mother, he had never received any full support toward his mental suffering. Excerpt 1 also states, “Mr. Plummer, a miserable drunkard, a profane swearer, and a savage monster. He always went armed with a cowskin and a heavy cudgel. I have known him to cut and slash the women’s heads so horribly, that even the master would be enraged at his cruelty, and would threaten to whip him if he did not mind himself. ” This quote implies the hostile and cruel nature of Mr. Plummer, demonstrated by threatening to hit a slave, out of pure rage and fury. In conclusion, within the Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass, he discusses the mental pain he suffered during his experience as a

Frederick Douglass was a popular figure among the literature created by the Harlem Renaissance, he was used as an inspiration among music, art, and poets, showcasing the struggles he endured and the pain he tolerated during his time as a slave. Within the poem, “I, Too”, the speaker is being discriminated against for his skin color, but he does not acknowledge the negativity. “Tomorrow, I'll be at the table when company comes. Nobody'll dare say to me, "Eat in the kitchen." This quote indicates the powerful mindset of the speaker, not allowing discrimination to intimidate him, just like Fredrick Douglass courageously stood up to escape being enslaved. The poem, “Mother to Son” explains the struggles experienced by the colored people during the Harlem Renaissance, “I’se been a-climbin’ on, and reachin’ landin’s, and turnin’ corners, and sometimes goin’ in the dark, where there ain’t been no light.” This quote explains the adversities in people’s lives during that time, the way they had to stay persistent to overcome the problems, a replica of how Fredrick Douglass had to provoke his spirit to stay alive, even if Within the article 'Renaissance Man', the author