Frederick Douglass

Amanda Lievanos

ENGL 130

Dr. Oster

20 February 2012

An Inch of Motivation

The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave is a piece of writing that both informs the reader of the brutality of slavery and pleads a change to be made within the country. Douglass’ words: “You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man,” is evidence that his story is the conversion from how he first became a slave how he escaped that title and was able to become a free man.

In our class discussion we spoke about the possible motivations that led Frederick Douglass to consider his escape. “The Colombian Orator” is certainly one book he came across that became the little inch of motivation he needed. This particular opened his eyes to ideas he did not before believe were possible. The Sheridan was able to give him “ a bold denunciation of slavery, and a powerful vindication of human rights” (Douglass 84). From this book Douglass also read conversation between a slave and his master. Because of this he made the discovery of the power of argument and the power of words.

Although “The Colombian Orator” is an important source for Douglass’s motivation, I believe something that happened earlier in his life became his foundation of encouragement. The incident that really stuck out to me was the conversation that occurs between Douglass and Mr. Auld. When Mr. Auld makes discovers his slave (Douglass) has been being taught how to read he immediately puts a stop to it. He goes on to explain to Mrs. Auld that teaching a slave to read is unlawful and unsafe, “if you give a nigger an inch, he will take an ell” (Douglass 78). In other words if you educate a black slave even in the slightest they will use it to their advantage. The white masters believe an educated slave is not an ignorant slave. Therefore these slaves will believe there is something better in the world than what they are being forced to do and could potentially rebel against their owners.

For me, this became the turning point that helped Douglass realize what makes the white man powerful. As Mr. Auld goes on with his explanation using the words “spoil,” “unfit,” and “unmanageable” Frederick Douglass gets a clearer understanding of what exactly makes the white man superior over any other. “From that moment, I understood the pathway from slavery to freedom. It was just what I wanted, and I got it at a time when I the least expected it” (Douglass 78). It is this incident that urges Frederick Douglass to continue learning to read and continue his thoughts on believing that slavery does not have to be forever. “In learning to read, I owe almost as much to the bitter opposition of my master, as to the kindly aid of my mistress. I acknowledge the benefit of both (Douglass 79). Without knowing it Mr. Auld becomes the reason behind Douglass’s motivation to exist as more than just a slave.

It’s difficult to believe that the story of Frederick Douglass is only a mild case of what slavery was like for people of color but it’s encouraging to know that he was able to become something greater and become a man of great success after the horrific experiences he went through.