Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass Reflection

In the book “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” the struggles of Frederick Douglass’ personal life and the hardships of the African American community as a whole is explained. Much of the suffering within the narrative directly influenced the lives of those who endured it. The dialogue and the narration in the book qualifies the notion that in much wisdom, there is much grief, but occasionally the amount of grief isn’t directly proportional to the amount of knowledge. In fact, other attributes, such as freedom and hope, also coincide with increase or decrease of knowledge.

A negative impact from a lack of knowledge can be seen in the quote “We could see no spot, this side of the ocean, where we could be free. We knew nothing of Canada. Our knowledge of the north did not extend farther than New York; and to go there, and be forever harassed with the frightening liability of being returned
For example, the quote “Let me be free! Is there any God? Why am I a slave? I will run away. I will not stand it. Get caught, or get clear, I’ll try it. I had as well die with ague as the fever. I have only one life to lose. I had as well be killed running as die standing. Only think of it; one hundred miles north, and I am free! Try it ? Yes! God helping me, I will.”, exudes a hopeful or courageous tone compared to more cynical or desolate feel. The promise of freedom in the north was inspired Frederick Douglass to take action. That piece of knowledge prompted his unavailing, and eventually successful escape from slavery in the south. Without obtaining the knowledge that a life of independence was possible, many would be submissive to the abuse they endured. It was due to the fact that freedom was possible in the north that gave Frederick Douglass and countless others the courage and hope to escape the bonds of