Frederick Douglass Argumentative Essay

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass faced many hardships and destitution which an individual should never have to witness. Within his narrative, Douglass stresses the typical life of a slave- the harsh treatment, the many ways in which individuals were dehumanized and the effects slavery brought upon many people. While discussing his arguments, Douglass strategically explains his experiences in an order, which helps readers, visualize scenarios in which he was put in. Douglass also makes use of narration which is very clear and speaks to his readers. The examples create a visual to imagine the hardships. His goal was to show his readers life’s perspective, in the eyes of a slave. Douglass tried to draw attention towards the fact that he took himself out of that specific state of misery and accomplished many things; such as becoming an Abolitionist. Douglass’ language and his approach convey sincerity. His emotional tone touches readers and gives them insight on what he is stressing. To elaborate upon Douglass’ argument, he portrays the effects and behavioral ways of slave owners when exposed to slavery. But, alas! This kind heart had but a short time to remain such. The fatal poison of irresponsible power was already in her hands, and soon commenced its infernal work. That cheerful eye, under the influence of slavery, soon became red with rage; that voice, made all of sweet accord, changed to one of harsh and horrid discord; and that angelic face gave place to that of a demon (Douglass 330). Douglass discusses the fact that slavery has the ability to take over society’s attitude within the process of owning a slave. Douglass tells his readers about his slave owner, with the kindest heart; she was more than generous towards slaves. It came to the point in which Douglass no longer knew how to act towards her. He states that she literally switched attitude and that the kind woman was gone and became a typical slave owner. Douglass was one of the many underprivileged individuals which lived through a severe era with hardships being the norm of slavery. Within his narrative, he discusses the atrocious treatment given to the …show more content…
I have frequently felt her head, and found it nearly covered with festering sores, caused by the lash of her cruel mistress. I do not know that her master ever whipped her, but I have been an eyewitness to the cruelty of Mrs. Hamilton. I used to be in Mr. Hamilton’s house nearly every day. Mrs. Hamilton used to sit in a large chair in the middle of the room, with a heavy cowskin always by her side, and scarce an hour passed during the day but was marked by the blood of one of these slaves. The girls seldom passed her without her saying, move faster, you black gip! at the same time giving them a blow with the cowskin over the head or shoulders, often drawing the blood (Douglass 332).
This quote conveys Douglass’ sense of the barbarous treatment towards slaves. He is attempting to show us the stone-like hearts of slave owners, in which the owners do not hesitate to deprive their slaves of care, hunger, and respect. The slaves are merely a source of pleasure when it comes to having them work with no limit. Furthermore, Douglass elaborates the fact that slaves have been dehumanized in so many ways- but, many were in fact looked down