Symbolism In Frederick Douglass

The Beasts of Slavery: Frederick Douglass and His Use of Animalistic Metaphors

“The Interesting Narrative of Frederick Douglass,” chronicles Douglass’ journey from the shores of eastern Maryland as a slave to the freedom and fame he found in New Bedford, Massachusetts as an abolitionist. “The Interesting Narrative” provides readers with a powerful description of slavery as well as the historical, political, and social realm in which it operates. Douglass explores what the institution does in concrete terms to both slaves and slaveholders, but also the philosophic meaning of freedom. Through the description of daily conditions he faced while enslaved, Douglass makes his case. Douglass argues that enslaved must be dehumanised for the system

While at Colonel Lloyd 's plantation, Douglass states that his treatment was similar to the other slave children. In short, it was animalistic. “We were not regularly [given an allowance],” Douglass wrote. “Our food was coarse corn meal boiled. This was called mush. It was put into a large wooden tray or trough, and set down upon the ground. The children were then called, like so many pigs, and like so many pigs they would come and devour the mush; some with oyster-shells, others with pieces of shingle, some with naked hands, and none with spoons.” Clothing and bedding also left Douglass wanting more. “In hottest summer and coldest winter, I was kept almost naked—no shoes, no stockings, no jacket, no trousers, nothing on but a coarse tow linen shirt, reaching only to my knees. I had no bed. I must have perished with cold, but that, the coldest nights, I used to steal a bag which was used for carrying corn to the mill. I would crawl into this bag, and there sleep on the cold, damp, clay floor, with my head in and feet out. My feet have been so cracked with frost, that the pen with which I am writing might be laid in the gashes” (16). Douglass’ description of slave housing was correct. According to pastor of the Baptist Church in Colebrook, Connecticut, Rev. Francis Hawley, most slaves had “no bed, except a blanket or two” (Weld 95). Douglass’ description concerning the effects of slave leisure time furthers the reader’s understanding of slavery’s dehumanizing effects. While working for Mr. Covey, Douglass was designated a field hand. Douglass began working long and hard hours. Sundays were his only leisure time during the week. He spent this time in a “beast-like stupor”. Aside from Sundays, the time from Christmas to New Year’s Day served as a period of rest. The slaves, enjoying their holiday, would engage in dubious activities such as wrestling,