John Woolman's Argument Against Slavery 2

A detailed Summary of John Woolman's Argument Against Slavery 2

In Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes, John Woolman clearly expresses his opposition to slavery. The writer stresses the theme of equality and the universal human experience. He writes of a brotherhood that binds all creatures, regardless of color. Woolman expresses a "do unto others" philosophy throughout his work, and makes an argument that slavery is a contradiction of religion. He supports this argument with frequent biblical references. These biblical references, which fill both Woolman's Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes, make clear this apparent contradiction.

Woolman realizes the controversial nature of his arguments. After all, the keeping of slaves was an accepted and common practice, even among his Quaker Friends. In order to combat this, he is careful not to admonish too harshly, as evident in his introduction to Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes. In a subtle yet effective manner, Woolman invites reflection. In the last paragraph of his introduction, on page 631 in The Heath Anthology, Woolman admits that he writes "with reluctance" on the issue, offering "hints" written intentionally "in as general terms as my

[Woolman's] concern would allow." He makes a deliberate cho

John Woolman also fills his argument with a theme of unity among all creatures. He speaks of a "general brotherhood" and on page 632 he references a passage from Genesis 3:20 to further this idea, "When we remember that all nations are of one blood; that in this world we are but sojourners; that we are subject to the like afflictions and infirmities of body, the like disorders and frailties in mind, the like temptations, the same death and the same judgment." He writes of these shared human experiences to illustrate this "general brotherhood" among creatures, and that all humans are "sons of one father," and equals in the eyes of God. On page 633 this theme continues, with Woolman writing, "We shall then consider mankind as brethren."

particular," and lays blame upon no one.

On page 634, he cites a passage by Quaker writer Alexander Arscott. In his Considerations, Part III, Arscott writes, "I take it that all men by nature are equally entitled to the equality of this rule and under the indispensable obligations of it." This usage adds support to Woolman's argument.

John Woolman makes a strong case for the abolition of slavery on Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes. Beginning subtly, and being admittedly vague in his description, Woo

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Approximate Word count = 852
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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