Question

According to our first introduction, Frederick Douglass writes about hardships of the slave. Beyond the brutality, describe three other hardships Douglass and other slaves endured. How do these hardships show that he is an individual against society?

Answer 1

Frederick Douglass's autobiography recounts the hardships slaves faced, such as psychological abuse, education deprivation, and the threat of being sold. These not only illustrate the brutality of slavery but also Douglass's formidable stance as an individual championing human dignity against a society entrenched in oppression.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Frederick Douglass in his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave Written by Himself, three other hardships endured by slaves beyond brutality were psychological abuse, deprivation of education, and the constant threat of being sold. These hardships illustrate Douglass's existence as an individual pitted against the oppressive society of slavery.

Psychological abuse was evident in the way slaveholders dehumanized their slaves, treating them as less than human. The denial of education was a key control mechanism, with Douglass highlighting that his enslavers considered 'education and slavery ... incompatible with each other.' Lastly, the omnipresent threat of being sold exacerbated the instability of slaves' lives and broke familial bonds, showcasing a total lack of control over one's own destiny.