My thoughts about Douglass Narrative

I agree with all of with all of your viewpoints. I also believe that the way that Fredrick Douglass chose to handle his harsh environment by persevering through it showed his strength of character and determination. His strength and virtuous character was shown in his writing, in which he was able to view people in an unbiased manner, that is honest and inoffensive, saying both the good and the bad about the people over him while he was a slave, and sharing positive and negative traits of the slaves he was around, while leaving the interpretation largely up to the reader. The story is kept interesting because it is told in a way that captivates. When I read this story, it was like I could see myself there, as a witness to what was going on at the time. There was a great use of vocabulary and imagery throughout.

Through this story, I began to remember the previous information I had read about slavery, and think about what the mentality of some of the overseers and slave masters must have been to commit such cruelty towards other people. In some cases it seemed as though black people were not thought of as human by some of the white people of that time. Others seemed to be against slavery, while there were some who were in the middle. I believe that Fredrick Douglass's belief in God gave him the strength and determination he needed to overcome his environment, and that God chose to use him to great things during his time. God opened up doors of opportunity for Douglass to do this by causing him to be accepted to go onto the boat for Baltimore. When Douglass says, “From my earliest recollection, I date the entertainment of a deep conviction that slavery would not always be able to hold me within its foul embrace; and in the darkest hours of my career in slavery, this living word of faith and spirit of hope departed not from me, but remained like ministering angels to cheer me through the gloom. This good spirit was from God, and to him I offer thanksgiving and praise” (Douglass – Chapter 5) I can relate to that, because of my own faith in God, and the own tough personal experiences I’ve had in my own life that I attribute prayer and my faith in God to getting delivered from. There have been times in my life where I’ve felt a strength and peace on the inside that was stronger than my own natural strength, which allowed me to endure through challenges when I would’ve given up and comforted me in times of trouble. These moments have strengthened my faith in God, and caused me to seek after Him even more. Douglass’ mentioned of God was a key part of the story for me.

Much can learnt about determination, faith, the importance of having a mindset for greatness, communicating effectively, withstanding peer pressure, and virtue of character through this narrative. Douglass’s character shone through when he thought of the importance of freeing the other slaves and ending slavery, instead of just thinking of getting freedom for himself. Ms. Auld changed from kind to harsh because of pressure from her husband. Frederick Douglass had to resist peer pressure from other slaves to avoid settling and lowering his goals. I believe that this entire story serves as a lesson on morals and life.