Another aspect widely stated in Beecher’s and Douglass’ writings is the physical separation and the emotional detachment of family members. Slaves have no right to care and keep their children close neither emotionally or physically speaking. After birth, slave babies are sent to older slave women to be cared for. “My mother and I were separated when I was but an infant—before I knew her as my mother” (Douglass 946). Or, they can also be sold like cattle without the mother’s consent, opinion, or consideration. For example, Haley the trader is talking to a stranger, and he is trying to get as much profit for a toddler, so he convinces the man that the little boy is worth the money he wants for him. “I could rise that ar chap myself, or get
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Beecher’s story strongly resembles pro-slavery sentiments of the South, her fictional story attempts to convey and influence her anti-slavery ideals. Beecher’s story of Eliza and her son Harry highlights the emotional cruelty that is forced onto slaves. Readers are consciously or unconsciously obligated to reflect on the cruel and shallow nature of slavery. In addition, Frederick Douglass’ narrative highlights the reality of a slave, not from a fictional story but from his own experiences. He was born a slave, and he did not have educational rights, nonetheless, he did learn to read and write. After reading some important documents, he acquired knowledge that set his ideals of equality and freedom. In his own words, “The moral which I gained from the dialogue was the power of truth over the conscience of even a slaveholder. What I got form Sheridan was a bold denunciation of slavery, and a powerful vindication of human rights” (Douglass 963). He struggled for a long time, but literacy was definitely an instrument that enabled him to gain his freedom. Then, he wrote his narrative, which inspired many others to protect their freedom, and to seek social and political change for minority groups. Together this two authors set a stepping stone to a more civilized and humanitarian
Beecher’s story strongly resembles pro-slavery sentiments of the South, her fictional story attempts to convey and influence her anti-slavery ideals. Beecher’s story of Eliza and her son Harry highlights the emotional cruelty that is forced onto slaves. Readers are consciously or unconsciously obligated to reflect on the cruel and shallow nature of slavery. In addition, Frederick Douglass’ narrative highlights the reality of a slave, not from a fictional story but from his own experiences. He was born a slave, and he did not have educational rights, nonetheless, he did learn to read and write. After reading some important documents, he acquired knowledge that set his ideals of equality and freedom. In his own words, “The moral which I gained from the dialogue was the power of truth over the conscience of even a slaveholder. What I got form Sheridan was a bold denunciation of slavery, and a powerful vindication of human rights” (Douglass 963). He struggled for a long time, but literacy was definitely an instrument that enabled him to gain his freedom. Then, he wrote his narrative, which inspired many others to protect their freedom, and to seek social and political change for minority groups. Together this two authors set a stepping stone to a more civilized and humanitarian