Essay Prompt: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
All through the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, Douglass consistently employs figurative language, syntax, and extreme attention to detail to support his viewpoint on slavery, predominantly in the 3rd paragraph. In addition to the use of these literary techniques throughout his memoir, Douglass also included the use of repetition and parallel structure heavily in the body of the third paragraph. In doing this, Douglass was able to express his true feelings towards slavery, and later on build and elaborate. Hence Douglass’ rhetorical intention of this passage was significantly reinforced.
Frederick’s passage begins with carefully depicted details, along with syntax and figurative language. Throughout the first and second paragraphs Douglass discusses slavery and speaks as if to the reader. The first few lines discuss the routine of his work; how work was to be done in all types of weather on any type of day. How, in the mind of Mr. Covey, “It was never too hot or too cold; it could never rain, blow, hail, or snow, too hard for us to work in the fields.” This use of detail soon follows into figurative language as Douglass "was broken in body, soul, and spirit." The use of types of weather as a main cause of being a broken spirit is actually very appropriate; much like people feel gloomy and down on a rainy day. The extensive repetition of the word work plays a huge role in the passage. The constant and cruel work seemed to have "transformed me into a brute." Douglass also proclaims that, "the shortest nights were too long" and later describes slavery as the dark night. This selection not only uses excellent repetition, but it also sets a dark and blackened tone. Frederick, however, then develops the gloomy mood of the passage by describing beautiful, white vessels as eerie and horrifying. Douglass uses the 3rd paragraph to portray the true hardships and inhumanity he has been...