Paige Whittenburg History 007 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas In the early 1800’s the average morning of a white man was being awoken from bed by the aromas of breakfast, he sat around the table and enjoyed a well-prepared meal with his wife and children, and went about his daily routine by making sure his slaves were doing their daily chores. The average morning of a black man during this time was being awoken at sunrise off a dirt floor by the sound of bell; he ate only an apple or peach for breakfast, and worked until dusk on a plantation. If the black man did not awake immediately severe punishment, such as, whipping, beating, and starvation was granted. There was no such thing as delighting in a family meal together or overseeing others. Each and every slave had an obligation to do and to do perfectly or they were scorned for it. The life of a black compared to the life of a white man or woman was atrocious and harrowing. The Narrative of the Life or Frederick Douglas clearly shows the struggles that the African Americans faced to even see the day break of tomorrow. Douglass is a not a full black man he is, however, …show more content…
A realization point for Frederick happened when he was sitting out on the bay watching ships roar by freely. He declared to change his current perception on life and to run away. Furthermore, on a sweltering summer day Douglass collapsed and awoke to his master repeatedly beating him. Frederick sought sympathy from Auld, but received none. Continuing, his master attempted to tie his legs a few days later and Douglass fought back with vengeance. Multiple slaves are called over to hold him back, but are unable to. This was an immense turning point for Frederick Douglass that allowed him to gain his self respect and defiant spirit back once more. His master never touched him