Frederick Douglas's Autobiography On His Experiences As A Slave

Frederick Douglass’s autobiography on his experiences as a slave, serve the purpose as proof from his encounters and obstacles he faced. With Douglass’s level of intelligence and eloquence, many rumors spread that there was no way he could have formally been a slave, his book is his proof.
Initially, Mrs. Auld thinks that his reading and learning is important, but as her husband changes her thoughts, she does not feel his knowledge is important. “... the will and power of the husband was victorious. Her noble soul was overthrown.” (Douglass 523) Mrs. Auld becomes even more violent in her opposition to Fredericks learning because she must obey the wishes and commands of her husband. “She finally became even more violent in her opposition to my learning to read, than was her husband himself.” (Douglass 523) Douglas uses these statements to appeal to the audience through emotions. The audience sees the harsh, drastic change in Mrs. Auld’s character, and as a young child he does not understand. …show more content…
“I had made enough money to buy, what was then, a very popular school book, the Columbian Orator.” (Douglass 525) After reading this book Douglass is transformed from light-hearted to wretched and gloomy because his expanded and enhanced knowledge opened his eyes to the reality of his situation. “This knowledge opened my eyes to the horrible pit…” , “I was to thoughtful to be happy.” (Douglass 526) Douglass includes these points to appeal to audience through emotions. These statements lead the reader to contemplate the feelings and thoughts through which Frederick suffers . Douglas also includes these points to show where his determination is rooted. Douglass is sure to include the detail of the first book he ever read on his own, to show how far he has come now writing his