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.
Brad i agree hatred and brutality is a strong theme in this narrative. great job. :)
ReplyDeleteBrad,
ReplyDeleteI am going to politely disagree with the idea that Douglass wanted readers to feel sorry for those enslaved - I think we excuse bad behavior by letting ourselves feel sorry for others. Maybe that was one thing he wanted people to feel, but ultimately I think he wanted to make people aware in such a way that readers would be moved to action.
The way he so coldly described his relationship with his mom was heartbreaking - I definitely agree with you there.