If slaves were able to obtain their freedom, many would write down their stories in hopes that it would help emancipate other slaves. Although all slave autobiographies focused on the desire for gaining freedom, the ways in which the stories were written tended to vary between the sexes. The autobiographies of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs show the thoughts of men and women on slavery and show a comparison of the experience of slavery between genders.
As the lives of Douglass and Jacobs are compared, a difference can be made between the core values between the genders. Douglass had an obvious thirst for knowledge and understanding, He was taught the alphabet and how to spell at a young age by his mistress. However, his lessons were abruptly cancelled when his master found out. Douglass noted that it was in that moment that he recognized the way to escape from slavery: education.
Not being allowed to learn fueled his passion to gain knowledge, freedom, and respect. Even using his own coy devices to trick young school boys to trick them into teaching him to write, Douglass let nothing keep him from gaining an education. He tells his story as if it were a gathering of knowledge along his journey to freedom. He consistently uses the bible and political documents to develop and shape his views. He recognizes the importance and the intelligence that is represented through validating thoughts and ideas with sources. As Douglass continued to gain an education, he developed into the person who he desired to be: a valuable and influential member of society. In contrast, Jacobs had extremely strong family ties and relationships which impacted every decision that she made. Since she was raised with her mother and some immediate family members, family values very quickly became a part of who she was. The influence that Jacob’s grandmother had on her was substantial. The well being of her family is a constant worry to Jacobs, and she strives for a day when her family can live together in freedom. She frequently experiences tearful and emotion-filled reunions, departures, and conversations between her and her family members. She consistently shows that her family and children are her only reason for staying alive. Every step that Jacobs made towards her freedom was impacted greatly by the influence of her family members. Clearly, relationships and family values were extremely important to Jacobs and they impacted her journey towards freedom. The emphasis on family values which Jacobs had is typical of most female slave writers, but contrasts with the family views which males had. In contrast to Jacobs, Frederick Douglass seemed distant about family matters, and focused very little on relationships. The beginning of the autobiography is the only place where Douglass shows notable emotion. As he grows older and continues in his journey towards freedom, his emotion towards family related memories becomes distant. In the beginning of his autobiography, he quickly discusses what little he knows about his family, but shows no emotional attachment in the presentation of this information Douglass, like most male slaves, was on a quest for manliness and education. This lack of emotion in his writing does not indicate that he did not care, but rather further testifies the fact that men focus on a more informative approach. Douglass likely leaves out emotional details intentionally to keep the stories factual and clear to the reader. His writing style demonstrates a difference between the sexes and provides an example of how men prefer to focus on intellectual topics instead. She differs from Douglass because she acts in a more selfless manner; rather than focusing on …show more content…
White men were viewed as independent and powerful – traits which, under slavery, black men could not have, yet still desired. Slaves could do nothing to protect themselves against the overseers or masters and could be punished under any circumstances. This creates a sense of defenseless which especially bothered most slave men during this time. These men, who desired to be viewed as strong leaders, were made out to be weak and defenseless cowards by slavery. Even Jacobs noted the inferiority of the black man. When Douglass fought for and regained his manliness, he essentially regained his personal value and importance as a
As the lives of Douglass and Jacobs are compared, a difference can be made between the core values between the genders. Douglass had an obvious thirst for knowledge and understanding, He was taught the alphabet and how to spell at a young age by his mistress. However, his lessons were abruptly cancelled when his master found out. Douglass noted that it was in that moment that he recognized the way to escape from slavery: education.
Not being allowed to learn fueled his passion to gain knowledge, freedom, and respect. Even using his own coy devices to trick young school boys to trick them into teaching him to write, Douglass let nothing keep him from gaining an education. He tells his story as if it were a gathering of knowledge along his journey to freedom. He consistently uses the bible and political documents to develop and shape his views. He recognizes the importance and the intelligence that is represented through validating thoughts and ideas with sources. As Douglass continued to gain an education, he developed into the person who he desired to be: a valuable and influential member of society. In contrast, Jacobs had extremely strong family ties and relationships which impacted every decision that she made. Since she was raised with her mother and some immediate family members, family values very quickly became a part of who she was. The influence that Jacob’s grandmother had on her was substantial. The well being of her family is a constant worry to Jacobs, and she strives for a day when her family can live together in freedom. She frequently experiences tearful and emotion-filled reunions, departures, and conversations between her and her family members. She consistently shows that her family and children are her only reason for staying alive. Every step that Jacobs made towards her freedom was impacted greatly by the influence of her family members. Clearly, relationships and family values were extremely important to Jacobs and they impacted her journey towards freedom. The emphasis on family values which Jacobs had is typical of most female slave writers, but contrasts with the family views which males had. In contrast to Jacobs, Frederick Douglass seemed distant about family matters, and focused very little on relationships. The beginning of the autobiography is the only place where Douglass shows notable emotion. As he grows older and continues in his journey towards freedom, his emotion towards family related memories becomes distant. In the beginning of his autobiography, he quickly discusses what little he knows about his family, but shows no emotional attachment in the presentation of this information Douglass, like most male slaves, was on a quest for manliness and education. This lack of emotion in his writing does not indicate that he did not care, but rather further testifies the fact that men focus on a more informative approach. Douglass likely leaves out emotional details intentionally to keep the stories factual and clear to the reader. His writing style demonstrates a difference between the sexes and provides an example of how men prefer to focus on intellectual topics instead. She differs from Douglass because she acts in a more selfless manner; rather than focusing on …show more content…
White men were viewed as independent and powerful – traits which, under slavery, black men could not have, yet still desired. Slaves could do nothing to protect themselves against the overseers or masters and could be punished under any circumstances. This creates a sense of defenseless which especially bothered most slave men during this time. These men, who desired to be viewed as strong leaders, were made out to be weak and defenseless cowards by slavery. Even Jacobs noted the inferiority of the black man. When Douglass fought for and regained his manliness, he essentially regained his personal value and importance as a