Frederick Douglass Analysis

    I believe Douglass wrote this narrative as a wake-up call for people looking in. By reading this he wants people to understand the inhumane things associated with slavery as a whole. In Chapter 1, Douglass writes about witnessing his Aunt Hester's merciless whipping at the hands of their master. Douglass includes this in his narrative to tell the brutal realities of slavery. He also wants to explain how slaves were abused physically and psychologically. Douglass says in Chapter 1 "I remember the first time I ever witnessed this horrible exhibition. I was quite a child, but I well remember it." Douglass wrote this because it shows us the long-lasting horrific impression it gave him, giving him an understanding of slavery at a young age. He also wrote in chapter 1 "The louder she screamed, the harder he whipped; and where the blood ran fastest, there he whipped longest." Douglass included this in the narrative to give us a clear look at his master's horrific punishment, as he inflicts more harm on Aunt Hester in response to her screaming in pain, which demonstrates the master's non-caring spirit of her humanity.