Freedom is a principle that is often taken for granted in the modern world. As a society we must reflect on the struggles that we have endured over time to achieve liberty. Douglass and Achebe present the desire for freedom through their works to attack the treatment of subjugated peoples and show that, even in the worst scenario, humanity can shine through, as the owning class treats their “inferiors” like brutes, instills fear and distrust in their minds, use mind tricks, and play their own pride against them.
Frederick Douglass refers to the owning class breaking down the spirit of slaves. Douglass was one of the more educated slaves however, and he understood what was happening. He even admitted that, “Mr. Covey succeeded in breaking me. …show more content…
Okonkwo’s very mission in life was to never be submissive, lazy, or weak-minded like his father. The colonization of the British in Umofia made Okonkwo feel submissive to the white man. As a result, Okonkwo is perpetually angry and aggressive, verbally and physically, toward the white man. The biggest blow to Okonkwo would be the loss of his son Nwoye to the Christian church. Okonkwo “was a flaming fire. How then could he have begotten a son like Nwoye, degenerate and effeminate?” (Achebe 153). By influencing Nwoye, the British succeed in making Okonkwo feel inferior as a father and …show more content…
Throughout history there has always a rebellion against an oppressive owned class. In these two stories that outcome differed significantly. The British had a lack of appreciation and respect for culture that ultimately lead to the dismantling of villages and the death of Okonkwo. He could no longer bear to watch his values be torn away right before his eyes. His death symbolizes the prejudice of the modern world. How the disrespect of a culture can lead to the loss of freedoms and beliefs. Eventually Douglass would be a large part of anti-slavery politics, but he did this with great danger. The more he talked and wrote about his experience he increased his chance of being in danger. He ultimately decided that it was important to stand up like he did to Convey and push for the freedom for his people. Even if he had to risk everything, he would rather lose it than ever be afraid
Frederick Douglass refers to the owning class breaking down the spirit of slaves. Douglass was one of the more educated slaves however, and he understood what was happening. He even admitted that, “Mr. Covey succeeded in breaking me. …show more content…
Okonkwo’s very mission in life was to never be submissive, lazy, or weak-minded like his father. The colonization of the British in Umofia made Okonkwo feel submissive to the white man. As a result, Okonkwo is perpetually angry and aggressive, verbally and physically, toward the white man. The biggest blow to Okonkwo would be the loss of his son Nwoye to the Christian church. Okonkwo “was a flaming fire. How then could he have begotten a son like Nwoye, degenerate and effeminate?” (Achebe 153). By influencing Nwoye, the British succeed in making Okonkwo feel inferior as a father and …show more content…
Throughout history there has always a rebellion against an oppressive owned class. In these two stories that outcome differed significantly. The British had a lack of appreciation and respect for culture that ultimately lead to the dismantling of villages and the death of Okonkwo. He could no longer bear to watch his values be torn away right before his eyes. His death symbolizes the prejudice of the modern world. How the disrespect of a culture can lead to the loss of freedoms and beliefs. Eventually Douglass would be a large part of anti-slavery politics, but he did this with great danger. The more he talked and wrote about his experience he increased his chance of being in danger. He ultimately decided that it was important to stand up like he did to Convey and push for the freedom for his people. Even if he had to risk everything, he would rather lose it than ever be afraid