Douglass distinguishes between the truthful and hypocritical versions of Christianity. He demonstrates how the slaveholders’ beliefs do not adhere to religious doctrine and teachings. Instead, their hypocritical actions serve to reinforce the expression of self-righteous brutality. He describes religious masters as the worst, given that they are cowardly, mean, and cruel (Douglass 67). He explains how Mr. Weeden, a preacher in the Reformed Methodist Church, owned a slave whose back was always raw from constant lashing because the reverend believed in demonstrating his authority at all times (Douglass 67). It is vital to note that the author is opposed to the religion of slaveholding, which he describes as “Christianity of this land,” and not the true form of the practice, to which he refers as the “Christianity of Christ” (Douglass 101). The author’s vivid narration shows how peaceful and charitable acts associated with Christianity differ from the oppressors’ immoral deeds.
Douglas notes that escaping slaves are braver than Patrick Henry, who “resolved upon liberty or death” (Douglass 74). Why does the author frown upon the glorification of revolutionaries? While Henry could choose between oppression and political independence, slaves had the choice of a life of suffering or the unknown dangers of escape.
Douglass highlights how slave owners are either inconsistently brutal or filled with hypocritical piety. However, he describes Mr. Freeland as “exceedingly free from those degrading vices to which Mr. Covey was constantly addicted” (Douglass 67). Does the fair treatment of slaves impact their perception of the White masters’ intentions? The absence of torture is not equivalent to freedom, hence all slaves still felt trapped regardless of their master’s character.
Douglass often speaks to God during the low points of his life. While watching the ships at the bay, “with no audience but the Almighty,” he would pour out his heart’s sorrows (Douglass 56). Why is the trip to the Chesapeake Bay the turning point of Douglass’s life? It is at this point that his mind achieves freedom as he ponders the possibility of escape.
When Douglass reaches New York, he describes how solitude and isolation test his perspective. In addition, the new way of life is challenging. However, Douglas was “surrounded with the strongest proofs of wealth” (Douglass 97). Instead of slaves, black and white people worked to earn a living. Why is Douglass impressed by the living conditions in the North? The author is fascinated by the free market system because it prioritizes the use of machinery and paid labor rather than slavery.
Work Cited
Douglass, Fredrick. Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass. The Anti-Slavery Office, 1845.