One of Frederick Douglass’ main reason for writing his narrative was to debunk the mythology of slavery. American society during this time was obsessed with the idea that slavery was essential in order for the economy to grow. Douglass wanted to explain in his narrative that southern americans were blinded by the facts that slavery was necessary, when in reality, it was not. In the narrative Douglass actually refutes this notion by saying that he saw more examples of wealth and people enjoying their work while he was in the north. In addition to Douglass wanting to inform abolitionists about the harsh reality of slavery, he also wanted to spread the image of what is was like to grow up a slave.
Douglass provides the readers with many examples
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He rebukes the image of slavery by using impactful imagery of events that he witnessed while he was on different plantations. One specific event that Douglass explains was the confrontation between Demby and Mr. Gore. Demby had gone to a nearby creek, where he had gone to sooth the pain of the whipping he got from Mr. Gore. Gore, the overseer of the Great House Farm, had ordered Demby to come out of the water, but Demby had refused. In conclusion to this event, Mr. Gore ended up shooting Demby which ultimately ended his life. Douglass writes, “ poor Demby was no more. His mangled body sank out of sight, and blood and brains marked the water where he had stood,”(pg 38). This event paints an image of everything but a romantic event. In addition to using Demby, Douglass also uses his aunt to rebuke the romantic image of slavery. He recalls the event in which his aunt is getting whipped by saying, “ I remember the first time I ever witnessed this horrible exhibition. I was quite a child, but I well remember it. I never shall forget it whilst I remember anything,”(pg 23). Again, this event explained by Douglass has nothing to do with romantic images. By explaining the harsh reality of a slave, Douglass is able to rebuke the romantic image of