As the opening paragraph of the story progress, Douglass compares slave revolt leader Madison Washington to more renowned Virginians, such as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. However, where Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry were revered for their valor and contributions to American culture, Madison Washington lived “in the chattel records of his native State” (1255). Making these comparisons between a former slave and revered American heroes was intentional on the part of the author. By comparing Washington to these particular Virginians, he illustrates to the reader that double standard exists. Washington fought to free himself from the oppressive system of slavery, yet his heroism was not recognized by the Americans of that
As the opening paragraph of the story progress, Douglass compares slave revolt leader Madison Washington to more renowned Virginians, such as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. However, where Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry were revered for their valor and contributions to American culture, Madison Washington lived “in the chattel records of his native State” (1255). Making these comparisons between a former slave and revered American heroes was intentional on the part of the author. By comparing Washington to these particular Virginians, he illustrates to the reader that double standard exists. Washington fought to free himself from the oppressive system of slavery, yet his heroism was not recognized by the Americans of that