In his autobiography Frederick Douglass presents a vivid picture of a horrifying period of American history that far too few people understand. Douglass's personal narrative as a slave lets readers feel the fear of his past and allows us to experience the suffering and pain inflicted by underserved beatings and an unhealthy lifestyle with too much physical exertion. Douglass exhibits very personal and fervent feelings about his history and helps his readers understand the intense hatred and disgust the American slave had for his possessor, and the sickness of hate that allowed human beings to keep other human being as chattel.

The typical American slave standard of living was worse than some of the most poverty stricken countries of today. Most slaves were not as privileged to be classified as "fat and happy." Slave "owners," often referred to as "masters," simply did not have to provide adequate food and clothing because there was no enforcement of it by law or any other authority regulator. In general, consideration and generosity for slaves were at the discretion of their beholders. Within these tragic lifestyles, ties between biological family members within the slave c

The violence slaves endured was the most vivid representation in Douglass' portrayal of slavery in the South. No emotion or rage was held back by slaveholders and no pity or sympathy was put forth either. Cruelty and abuse were the only means of control the slaveholders believed would keep order. The pain inflicted upon these individuals, even to the point of death in some cases, fueled the typical master's obsession with domination and power. However, throughout Douglass's turmoil, his religious faith remained exceptionally strong. At times he found himself questioning how might his God allow him to endure such grueling circumstances, but he never let his curiosity hinder his faith. He also questioned how a man could call himself a Christian and yet treat another human being in such a humane manner. Douglass could never comprehend how the slaveholders were able to justify slavery through their faith and church as some of his "owners" did. It might leave one to believe it was a search for an interpretation that would ease there restless minds so that perhaps they would not feel as guilty and be able to sleep better at night.

Slavery had such a catastrophic affect on America during this century that it finally lead to the division of the North and South and brought about the Civil War. Politically and morally slavery separated the northerners against the southerners. American slaveholders of the south believed

Some common words found in the essay are:
Frederick Douglass, Frederick Douglass', War Politically, North South, frederick douglass, narrative life, american slave, douglass' narrative, slaveholders believed, pain inflicted, racial discrimination,
Approximate Word count = 963
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)