Paul Chakerian
English 12
Written by Himself
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is a glimpse not only in one man’s struggle with oppression, but the plight of an entire race. This moment in United States history is still shameful to some individuals: those who consider it dealt with and best left alone. However, there is much to learn about our modern social construct from these dark beginnings. Douglass’ autobiographical retelling of this period brings new perspectives to light, imparting a new sense of the tragedy between slave and owner. Throughout the narrative, Douglass expresses the conflicts he faced leading up to his spiritual and physical emancipation. The imperative discovery of literacy represents a turning point in his life, giving him the tools and awareness necessary to break the oppressive cycle and positively affect the world around him.
From birth, Douglass and his fellow brethren were denied basic human rights that we all take for granted; their families were torn apart and manipulated and they were left in an educational abyss. They were physically abused for even the slightest indication of disobedience. This was all done, among many other things, in order to keep slaves in a perpetual state of confusion and ignorance. Douglass describes his adolescent years as no exception to this, yet he considers himself content to be fed and lucky to avoid punishment.
Douglass was one of the few fortunate slaves to be sent away from the country to a slightly better life in the city, and there he was struck by epiphany. In living with his new master, he was taught the alphabet by the kind master’s wife. Though seemingly harmless, the master demanded all education to be stopped. Upon learning the reason for this, Douglass’ master inadvertently armed him with knowledge so profound it would serve to be the unstoppable force motivating Douglass to attain freedom. He then “understood what had been to [him] a most perplexing difficulty – to wit, the white man’s power to enslave the black man” (364). This revelation allowed Douglass to see how the “wretched condition” of slavery operated – through the deprivation of knowledge. Even in his early stage of development, this was the moment that ignited his curiosity and demystified the veil of oppression.
Though he had the basic foundation for reading, it was undoubtedly an arduous task to become competently literate. By befriending the poor white boys in the surrounding neighborhoods with bread and games, Douglass cleverly tapped into a wealth of education which led to his eventual success. At age 12, Douglass was reading abolitionist literature with fervor and zeal. One crucial text provided him with an invaluable conception of the world around him: The Columbian Orator inspired him to believe that, if he made his case articulately and poignantly, the oppressor would empathize and dispel enslavement of his own accord. Additionally, the text included poignant speeches from Sheridan regarding religious emancipation. These powerful words “enabled [him] to utter [his] thoughts, and to meet the arguments brought forward to sustain slavery” (369). Reading gave Douglass a veritable arsenal of language, allowing him to articulate his own thoughts and denounce slavery on equal ground. With fresh resolve, Douglass only became more aware of the state of the world around him.
The profound accomplishment of learning to read led Douglass down a new path in life: a path scarcely traveled by a slave. Despite having the words to express his true feelings and values, Douglass was crushed by the despairing nature of his newfound condition: “It opened [his] eyes to the horrible pit, but to no ladder upon which to get out” (370). Even though he succeeded in spiritually freeing himself, he saw no feasible way to correct the situation en masse. He became agonized by the reality that it was him, one black man, versus an entire culture already set in its ways. In spite of adversity, Douglass took it upon himself to spread what he unknowingly discovered: the essential tools to tear down the construct of slavery. In his young adult years, Douglass began to teach fellow slaves. He “taught them, because it was the delight of [his] soul to be doing something that looked like bettering the condition of [his] race” (402). Once again, literacy proves to be the motivating strength for Douglass. He imparted his knowledge on his brethren so that they may also lend power to their words, allowing them to be equally emancipated in spirit. By teaching, Douglass was slowly but surely dismantling the master’s oppressive hold over his race.
With determination in the face of adversity, Douglass carefully reformed the world around him in a subtle yet powerful way. His conscious decision to improve his intellect and share his knowledge proved to be a fatal blow to the obstructive walls of slavery. He created a new nature so perfectly infectious that it would ensure the inevitable emancipation of his race. Ignorance on both sides of the spectrum would become less polarized, paving the way to acceptance and tolerance. The impact of Douglass’ contribution to the world cannot be understated. His very being punctuated a moment in history: a better path for humanity.
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