Slavery As A Mythologized Institution Summary

In the novel The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass conveys the horrific environment he experienced as a slave. The critical essay, Slavery as a Mythologized Institution, explains Douglass’ strategy and emphasis on the issue. He utilizes the opportunity of writing a book to introduce the reality of slavery firsthand and debunk the mythology of slavery by reflecting on his life as a slave. Douglass not only proves beliefs about slavery as false, he examines how the system promoted the disloyalty among the slaves and the intellectual capabilities of a slave. These idea encourages readers to view slavery from a different perspective and face the reality of its inhumane system.
In order to create a different mindset, Douglass …show more content…
Slaves were characterized as a figure who is less intelligent compared to others who needed the “protection” of a white man. Douglass is an example and representation of the a slaves abilities to gain an education and develop intelligent skills. Slaves were deprived of an equal schooling; therefore, was categorized as intellectually inferior. However, Douglass proved this to be false when he vigorously learned how to read through Mrs. Auld then eventually young white boys. Rejections to reading only “inspire[s] [him] with a desire and determination to learn” (48); therefore, leads him to greater abilities in life. Douglass refutes the idea that blacks were incapable of reaching success by sharing his accomplishes and challenges he endured to achieve his goals in becoming a freeman. Also, slaves were encouraged to drink until they are intoxicated while on vacation to drain the knowledge and waste the opportunity of seeking an education and freedom. “These holidays serve as...to carry off the rebellious spirit” (82) reflects the great lengths slaveholders exceed to maintain the knowledge of their slaves and prevent them from gaining an education during their