Frederick Douglass Masculinity

The concept of freedom is fundamental to every American’s perception of themselves as individuals and as a nation. Even though America was constructed on the foundation of freedom, it would take many years of anguish and cruelty suffered by black slaves before America would know the true meaning of freedom. Frederick Douglass’s “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” is more than an effective abolitionist polemic. The narrative is the story of a young slave, who is noticeably consumed by his masculinity; as well he journeys from a life of slavery to freedom. Douglass acknowledges the character traits of a true man by way of the “white” men in his life. The men include his father, slave owners and overseers. The men make lasting impressions on Douglass. However, Douglass’s experience with Mr. Covey proves to be a defining experience. According to Douglass, a true man must possess courage, self-control, and self-reliance. Also, a man must have the ability to read and write in order to communicate effectively. Douglass’s autobiography served to create a “black male hero” to inspire slaves and “whites” striving to abolish slavery in America. Frederick Douglass's concern with masculinity coincides with his movement from slave to free man. …show more content…
Covey is a defining moment for Douglass. Douglass declares, “You shall see how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man” ( ). After just six months, Covey’s brutality had managed to wipe away any glimpse of Douglass’s “manhood.” Covey’s incessant work begins to overwhelm Douglass’s mind and spirit and Douglass loses his ambition to educate himself. After the physical confrontation with Covey, Douglass realizes this physical triumph over Covey is essentially a reaffirmation of his aspiration to be free. At this point in Douglass’s journey to freedom, he believes his manhood is dependent on him having control over his