Social Isolation In Frederick Douglass

Did social isolation of slaves, not physical brutality prolong slavery? In “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” we see triumph and emergence from the brutalities of slavery by a man by the name of Frederick. The isolation of slavery from societies as well as loved ones most likely had a huge factor on the continuance of slavery but was the physical aspect of slavery (caused by slave owners and overseers) more impactful? Let’s take an in depth view of what Frederick Douglass felt on this issue. First we will look at the idea of social isolation by separation. In chapter seventeen we begin to see (through the eyes of Douglass) the isolation brought on by the slave owners of the south. Douglass shows us an example of isolation through
Douglass was being taught by his mistress (Mrs. Auld) the ABC’s and how to read (Douglass 20). As soon as Mr. Auld found out about these teachings he immediately put a stop to it (Douglass 20). Through the eyes of Frederick Douglass we can see his take on this sort of isolation. It is able to be seen that slaves were not to be taught anything except how to work. Being only taught to work, the slaves would live a lifestyle of only work as that was all that they knew. At the beginning of chapter seven on page twenty-two we see that Douglass succeeded in learning how to read and write (Douglass 22). The social isolation of slaves as seen by Douglass was becoming more evident and it seems as though Douglass realized this as he began to find other means of learning how to read and write. A literate slave could be able to make strong compelling opinions and therefore would be able to end the notion that white slave owners were considered more intelligent then slaves. Douglass knew this was important as he later taught fellow slaves the same teachings he had taught himself while back at the Auld plantation. The fact that slave owners did not teach their slaves how to read and write showed their fear of slave education. This also protected the idea of slavery in the south as most slaves remained
This quote, “I am in the hottest hell of unending slavery, O God, save me!” gives us an in-depth look of the physically demanding aspects of slavery (Douglass 38). This quote comes from Douglass after his breaking point from working like a horse for Mr. Covey on his plantation. He is begging for his life due to the physical demands of slavery. Douglass contemplated fleeing and accepted his fate if he was to be caught (Douglass 38). This small excerpt shows us how serious the situation of slavery was. Not only being isolated but being pushed to the brink from hard labor, this was a recipe for disaster and Douglass seemed to agree. He was willing to die rather than to remain a slave. Douglass may have believed that social isolation of his tenure as a slave was the most trying time, but it seems as though