Final answer:
Frederick Douglass uses the phrase "you shall see how a slave became a man" to describe his journey from slavery to freedom and the subsequent development of his identity as an advocate for human rights. He brings to light the moral conflicts slaveholders faced and the cruelty they inflicted, especially to children born from unions with enslaved women. Douglass' vivid imagery and personal growth serve to rally anti-slavery sentiment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Frederick Douglass states, "you shall see how a slave became a man," he is referring to his own personal transformation from being subjected to the dehumanizing institution of slavery to becoming an autonomous, free individual. His narrative is a powerful account that not only depicts the cruelties of slavery but also articulates the moral complications that the system imposed on white slaveholders in the South. According to Douglass, slaveholders faced the internal conflict of adhering to a system that forced them to sell their own children (born from enslaved women) to maintain social appearances and the institution of slavery.
Imagery used by Douglass to illustrate these complications includes the horrific scenes of children being whipped and sold by their own fathers, and white sons being made to punish their siblings of a slightly different complexion. These vivid descriptions serve to evoke an emotional response from the reader, promoting an anti-slavery sentiment and showcasing the moral depravity of the system. Douglass' ability to overcome such adversity to become a leading figure in the abolitionist movement demonstrates his transformation into not just a free man, but also a powerful advocate for human rights.