Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass Analysis

Frederick Douglass, an ex-slave who fled from slavery in Maryland in 1838, wrote a memoir titled “The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave.” The novel is a potent critique of slavery and a celebration of the tenacity and adaptability of the human soul. Beginning with his early years growing up on a plantation and continuing through his years as a young adult working as a slave in Baltimore, Douglass details his life as a slave. He talks about being malnourished, beaten, and whipped by his many masters, among other cruel treatment.

Despite the appalling circumstances of his life., Douglass never lost his quest for knowledge or longing for freedom. He learned to read and write on his own, and ultimately he was successful

Hermeneutics examines how we interpret and handle writings, particularly ones that were written in an earlier era or a different social setting than our own. (Thiselton, 2009). The Hermeneutic method aims to analyze and interpret the text in the context of the author’s background in terms of the social, political, and emotional issues of the time. It would consider the Historical context and evaluate the significance and relevance of the text. During Frederick Douglass's lifetime, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" appeared in several publications. After its initial publication in 1845, Douglass revised and updated the book for several years. "My Bondage and My Freedom," a second, expanded edition of the book by Douglass, was released in 1855. This edition added new information regarding Douglass's post-slavery life and fresh perspectives on his political and social beliefs. "Life and Times of Frederick Douglass," the third version of the book, was released by Douglass in 1881. There were numerous updates and adjustments to the preceding material in this edition. (Matlack,1960). Hence, this essay will center on the original publication to remain faithful to the origins of Douglass's oppression and his journey toward

However, that did not alter his resolve to educate himself or achieve freedom. Being a slave, he was transferred to multiple partners. Each of them caused agony of their kind. One can only speculate about Douglass's thoughts, emotions, and dread as the Master were being changed. Although meeting his new Master made him experience emotions he solemnly felt before. As he stated, “ The meanest slave was put fully at ease in her presence, and none left without feeling better for having seen her. Her face was made of heavenly smiles, and her voice of tranquil music.” (Douglass, 1845. p.28). For a slave, finding peace, kindness, and to be empathy represented a distant mirage. It is through this kindness and generosity shown by his Mistress that made Douglass aware of Education as she commenced to teach him A, B, C. After which she helped him learn how to spell words with three or four letters after that. (Douglass, 1845, p.29). By observing and copying letters on scraps of paper and paying white kids to teach him how to read, he taught himself how to read and write. He used to practice writing in the sand with sticks and watch his owner's kids' writing classes. Douglass recognized the immense significance of his ability to read and write. He saw literacy as the key to his intellectual and spiritual freedom and as a means of empowering himself and others who were oppressed. He wrote in