Brutalities of Slavery and A Change in Lifestyle

As we continue reading The Narrative by Frederick Douglass, we see even harsher situations on the plantation that Douglass lives on. We read about overseers that have no concern for human life. Douglass writes about certain instances where slaves are brutally murdered. He also writes about things that slaves are not privledged enough to have. Such things are basic neccesities such as food, clothing, and shelter. He uses this vivid imagery again to create a personal and emtional connection.

A turning point in the story is when he moves to Baltimore to serve as a butler for Hugh's family. This is a turning point in his life because he is finally taught how to read and write. I feel that when Frederick Douglass learns to read and write then he acquires a sense of freedom. Mrs. Hugh is the one who teaches him. When Mr. Hugh finds out about this he is furious. He says that once you teach him to read then he will not be able to be kept as a slave. To me, this is a symbol that by slave becoming smarter and more knowledgeable about their outside world then they free themselves. Personally, it made me feel a lot happier about this book when I read that Douglass had the courage to continue to learn to read and began to progress himself.

The Narrative by Frederick Douglass

The harsh realities of slavery are quickly seen in the beginning of this book. His personal story as life as a slave is detailed throughout the beginning. I believe that one of his tactis to prove that slavery was an awful practice was writing about his personal connections. When he writes about his strained reltationship with his mother and siblings, readers begin to feel sorry for him. I believe this is exactly how Douglass wanted this book to be portrayed. He didn't want readers to feel sorry for him but for those who had to endure slavery as a whole.

The personal connections in this story are just short of tear-jerking. You feel for a person who has seen their mother only four to five times in their life. This draws his audience in more and it is easier for him to persuade them against the topic. His writing is also very descriptive in that he wants it to be clear and dry about the brutalities of slavery.

Being that this a non fiction book, we know that this is a true story. The events and details are very real. This is another way for people to have an emotional connection because they actually know that these horrors actually happened. It is hard to point out man literary techniques because Douglass is just repeating what happened in his life. I do think there is a pretty strong theme of hatred and brutality in the beginning.

Biblical References seen in Fences

So far, I have seen many Biblical references in this play. The first references came in Act One Scene One when Troy talks about when he has met the Devil. When he uses personification to describe death and the devil he shows us that the two are in fact very real. Though I did not relate these two references to religion at first, I began to see connections as I read further into the play.

In Act One Scene Two we are introduced to Troy's brother whose name is Gabe. It is said that he sometimes thinks that he is the angel Gabriel. While he visits Troy and his wife Rose in their yard, he mentions that he has seen both of their names in the book of St. Peter. This means that they shall be safe come Judgement Day. He is quick to mention though that Rose's name did not look the same in the book as Troy's did. Finally, as he leaves, Gabe warns Troy about the soon coming of Judgement Day.

I do not know what to take of all of the Biblical references. I believe that it shows that August Wilson is trying to make strong connections between his characters and the type of people that they are.When Gabe states that he has seen Troy and Roses name in the book of St. Peter, I relate that to being good, caring people. It is evident through the multiple references to Biblical characters that there is some significant meaning. Does it mean that Troy and Rose will take a high road to the wrong doings that Bono is believed to have done (having an affair with Alberta)?

Fences Act One Scene One

There are many key elements to be seen and discussed in the first scene in the first act in the play Fences. It is easy to say that the author of this play, August Wilson, is depicting the hard times facing African Americans during the times. I believe the setting to play a key role in this revelation. It is made evident that the front yard that they are meeting at is nothing more than a patch of dirt. I believe this to be a symbol of a poor background. If Wilson wanted readers to portray these characters as well off then I am sure that he would include details about the front yard having grass and being well manicured.

Also I see that August Wilson is giving stronging stereotypes to the African American race. I see this when Troy tells Bono that a co worker named Brownie was caught stealing a watermelon. Everyone has heard about the stereotypes between blacks and watermelons. I believe Wilson wrote about Brownie stealing a watermelon to further this sterotype. In my mind there is no reason for Brownie not to be stealing something more worthwhile than a piece of fruit. I belive this detail was added to portray African Americans as poor.

I also believe that August Wilson foreshadows a conflict between whites and blacks. I see this when Troy has asked his boss, Mr. Rand, about why African Americans are not allowed to drive the garbage truck. It is said that Troy is not afraid to be fired. Since Troy has the courage to confront his white boss he shows that he is not afraid of what may happen as a result. It shows that Troy is a fierce character who will not tolerate being held down by people of the Caucasian race.