In Frederick Douglass’s Autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass”, he documents his experience as an American slave. His autobiography was published during the abolition movement to end slavery in the United States. Douglass’s life story showed the power of persuasion to influence society to see the impact of slavery. In this essay, I will exhibit Douglass’s use of imagery, pathos, and syntax that helped alter the view of slavery towards the American people.
Douglass’s use of imagery captures the true cruelty of slavery. For example, Douglass explained the circumstances the slaves had to work in “It was never too hot or too cold; it could never rain, blow, hail, or snow, too hard for us to work in the field. Work, work, work, …show more content…
An example of this would be when Douglass poured out his soul and emotions, “You are loosed from your moorings and are free; I am fast in my chains, and am a slave! You more merrily before the gentle gale, and I sadly before the bloody whip!” (41-44) The structure of these lines document Douglass’s emotions towards confinement and shows his longing for freedom. This shows a primary source on the experience of slavery which may sway the common white man’s view on slaves. Another example of syntax is when Douglass starts to think more positively on slavery, “Besides, I am but a boy, and all boys are bound to someone. It may be that my misery in slavery will only increase my happiness when I get free. There is a better day coming.” (77-81) The sentence structure of these lines expresses Douglass’s optimism for the end of slavery. This shows how even with the oppression of slavery, they can carry on with the hope of freedom. The syntax helps the audience evaluate their morals and views toward slavery. By using syntax, Douglass conveys his views and feelings on slavery in hope of persuading the audience to change their views on slavery and support
Douglass’s use of imagery captures the true cruelty of slavery. For example, Douglass explained the circumstances the slaves had to work in “It was never too hot or too cold; it could never rain, blow, hail, or snow, too hard for us to work in the field. Work, work, work, …show more content…
An example of this would be when Douglass poured out his soul and emotions, “You are loosed from your moorings and are free; I am fast in my chains, and am a slave! You more merrily before the gentle gale, and I sadly before the bloody whip!” (41-44) The structure of these lines document Douglass’s emotions towards confinement and shows his longing for freedom. This shows a primary source on the experience of slavery which may sway the common white man’s view on slaves. Another example of syntax is when Douglass starts to think more positively on slavery, “Besides, I am but a boy, and all boys are bound to someone. It may be that my misery in slavery will only increase my happiness when I get free. There is a better day coming.” (77-81) The sentence structure of these lines expresses Douglass’s optimism for the end of slavery. This shows how even with the oppression of slavery, they can carry on with the hope of freedom. The syntax helps the audience evaluate their morals and views toward slavery. By using syntax, Douglass conveys his views and feelings on slavery in hope of persuading the audience to change their views on slavery and support