Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass an American slave
Who knew that a slave could escape and establish himself as one of the most renowned person the world has seen?
I didn't , until I came across a very gripping and salient narration written by the autodidact and self-made person, Frederick Douglass.The passionately written and highly emotive indictment "Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass an American slave" was an essential part of the anti-slavery movement that took place in the United States during the 1800s.Born into slavery in Maryland,his dreams were evident;freedom-like any other slave.But, in addition to freedom, he dreamed of becoming an abolitionist.An abolitionist to abolish slavery.An abolitionist to open the eyes of people all around the world.An abolitionist to show the world the evils of slavery.He really is worthy of the title of a "luminary".He has inspired,is inspiring and will remain to inspire those of whom who aim to achieve liberty and freedom throughout this spherical world of ours.
As a small boy, he was not much of a use to his masters.Thus, he joined the cohort who were almost not cared at all for.He received a morsel of rice and maize each week and was presented with a pair of trousers and one roughly stitched linen shirt each year.He was transferred from one master to another very frequently.However, it was at his stay with the Aulds when his aspirations for becoming one of the abolitionists ,who were talked about very frequently amongst the townspeople.Also, it was here that he developed his passion to read and write.These are his exact words: "I exchanged bread crumbs ,which were abundantly available, for better crumbs of knowledge" Thus, he deserves a worthy title of an autodidact.Apart from the sundry discrete morals that his book has taught me, the most inspiring and important one was to fear failure.It is this fear of his that never allowed him to surrender at any costs.He was imprisoned once when he was caught trying to escape, but his fate turned towards him and his master came to fetch him from the gaol.At the mere age of 20, he had escaped;Not all slaves who had managed to escape (they were called free coloured men) had done so at such a young age.It was at his third trial that he managed to escape to the free lands of New England (present day North America).And surprisingly,even after escaping and dwelling a life of his choice, he continued to inspire those who were subject to tremendous torment and those of whose backs were roughened by lashes.He joined the anti-slavery foundation and proved to be one of the most important person in the foundation.Even after a miraculous 172 years since publication, the book thrives to sell amongst people from various walks of life.
I would recommend the book for ages thirteen and above, for its obsolete and archaic language is a bit complicated and hard to understand.To all intents and purposes, I admired the book and Douglass's use of language.
The only discontent I experienced was in the closing chapters.I was perplexed and bamboozled when he mentioned that "How I did so (i.e. how he escaped)-what means I adopted,-what direction I travelled, and by what mode of conveyance,-I must leave unexplained, for the reasons before mentioned." The reasons he mentioned were valid though.He feared that by mentioning the people who aided him, he would rage their masters and they may be subject to torment.I see upon it as a valid reason but I do not see its connection with the "How i did so and what means I adopted" .On the whole part, the book is truly a mind-opener and is truly one of the best classics.
