The life of Frederick Douglass is turned completely upside down as we reach farther into this book. We now see that he works in the kitchen of Thomas Auld. He, along with the other slaves, are underfed and have to resort to stealing or begging food. A troubling story for me was when Douglass tells about when he let Auld's escape on purpose. He says that he did this so he could go look for the horse and get fed at a neighboring farm. This sets a mood that is sad and depressing. This is just one of many such accounts that makes me sad while reading. Douglass is definitely giving a first hand account of the turmoil that slaves face. In doing so, he adds a personal touch that is laced with vivid details. It is depressing to read but it also gives the real account of what slaves had to endure.
Douglass is later sent to work on the farm of Edward Covey. Here we see that Douglass has to work in the fields as a slave for the first time ever. Covey is a supposed strong Christian. Douglass contradicts this belief when he compares Covey to a snake. In the Bible, Satan was first seen as a snake. I take Douglass' description of Covey as a snake to have biblical implications. This is strong because it shows that Covey is not as good as a person as he claims to be.
I definetly agree with your post. This narrative is very sad to read! It really makes you appreciate things.
ReplyDeleteAnd is it interesting because it points out the hypocrisy in Covey's claim to Christianity? Douglass willingly uses Covey's claimed religion but turns it on him to show that Covey is like Satan. It was hard for me to imagine Douglass and the other slaves being hungry all the time. I'm bad about saying "I'm starving!" before I head to Wendy's - I can't imagine truly not having enough food to sustain myself.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is sad to think that he would have to stoop to slacking at work just to be fed. Its even sadder that his actions caused him to be sent to Covey's farm.
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