The Heroic Slave By Frederick Douglass Analysis

Following The Organic Self Slavery during the 1800’s kept America’s agricultural boom moving. During this time period, however, a small number of individuals begun to have suspicions about whether or not slavery was humane. The idea about to abolishment of slavery had began to arise and threaten all that America had known. Frederick Douglass’s story The Heroic Slave tells a story about a slave named Madison Washington and how he could no longer withstand the conditions of slavery. Madison went against all odds and ideas about slavery and did not want to accept the social mask society wanted to give his as a slave. While in the woods one day when he believes he is alone, Madison Washington talks about his life and what meaning is left of it …show more content…
He considers himself a man and society does not. He questions how could that be. Then he realizes the difference between slaves and the snake he encountered. When he tried to hit the snake it slithered away from his and gained its freedom, yet when Madison’s master stuck him, Madison did nothing. He did not fight or try to escape, but just submitted to punishment. This is the moment that Madison realized he could no longer continue being contempt as a slave. While Madison was speaking his thoughts a traveler by the name of Mr. Litwell overheard Madison and was very touched by his words. From that day on Listwell was an …show more content…
Madison Washington was an exception to the label of a slave. The social mask of a slave shows a slave as submissive, less than a person, not deserving of some God given rights, and never going to move on the social ladder, and most slaves just accepted this mask as their fate. A quotes from abolitionist Harriet Tubman Reads “I could have freed more, if only I could have convinced them they were slaves.” Slaves who had accepted the social mask of a slave did not know their life 's potential, and that there is more to themselves than being a slave. The real tragedy of slavery in America is that some slaves had accepted slavery as what is supposed to be. In conclusion, Frederick Douglass 's Story The Heroic slave shows the importance of following the organic self. Getting rid of society’s masks are usually the cause of many uprisings and rebellions throughout history. In the story, Madison Washington’s determination and faith in what he believes in brought him and 19 others to freedom. Madison was also inspiration to other slave and held as a hero and example on how others should live. Being a slave to what society think gives no purpose to one 's