narrative if the life of frederick douglass

Throughout this chapter, Fredrick Douglass sought to discuss the injustice of being a slave. “His savage barbarity was equaled only by the…blood and brains marked the water where he had stood” (Douglass 38). Chapter 4Īssertion: Brutality of slavery (Why juxtapose against Chapter 3) Textual Evidence to Prove Assertion Colonel Lloyd’s sons and son-in-law’s loved whipping the slaves as Douglass expressed as a form of “luxury.” Douglass informs the reader that slaves took satisfaction in how their masters treated them and they were not allowed to complain since that’s all they grew up knowing which illustrates situational irony. Douglass emphasized on the fact that slaves were never to complain about their masters which made it hard for them to trust anyone especially since spies would watch over them to make sure they were working accordingly. For example, Douglass stated that a slave had talked negatively about Colonel Lloyd and was later “chained” and “handcuffed” for his actions. Analysis of Given Assertionĭouglass describes the significance of what telling the truth would do to a slave. “Colonel had three sons…and enjoyed the luxury of whipping the servants when they pleased, from old Barney down to William Wilkes, the coach-driver” (Douglass 33). Chapter 3Īssertion: Slave perpetration of their Master’s superiority Textual Evidence to Prove Assertion Douglass’ use of diction helps the reader understand the mentality of those who were in slavery. Although the man singing is free on a “desolate” island, he is not filled with content since he’s still alone. He explains that slaves sing mainly when they are “unhappy” and that his tears are a sign of “sorrow.” Douglass also compares the man singing on an island alone with a slave singing as an example of misunderstanding of contentment. Although he did not understand the interpretation of the songs, it brings Douglass to tears once he relives his life in slavery and realizes the deeper meaning to the songs. The slave song was focused on the “Great House Farm” since slaves saw it as the highest privilege a slave could achieve. Douglass is consistent as he addresses how cruel slaves were treated by the white man and sets the state of poverty as the tone.

Narrative if the life of frederick douglass