University of California, San Diego
The American Renaissance
Winter Quarter 2004

A Comparison of the Slave Narratives "The History of Mary
Prince" and "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass"

by: Julia Weinmann

America’s history would lack a significant part without the dark chapter of slavery. The horrors and cruelties of the exploitation of blacks are written down in so-called slave narratives, being told or written by former slaves themselves. In the 19th century, both quantity and popularity of this literary form rose, for in the face of the abolitionist struggle against slavery the narratives were published as political documents, designed to increase the opposition. Slave narratives offer a striking insight into the reality of being a slave; they appeal to the readers’ hearts in order to increase their sympathy for slaves and emphasize the inhumanity of the institution and its followers. Having a didactic tone, the narratives speak for equality between whites and African Americans, which are not to be treated as the inferior race, and criticize the religious hypocrisy of the whites. Black people, on the contrary, are regarded as the true worshippers. Moreover, a certain pattern can be traced in most of these narratives as they commonly depict the slave’s growing up, the separation from family and beloved friends, years of cruel treatment, the longing for freedom and the final escape.

The characteristics mentioned above are by and large true for the two slave narratives that ought to be analyzed in the following. Both in The History of Mary Prince and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, the narrators are born into slavery, separated from their families and treated cruelly as slaves. The stories also include religious, sentimental, violent and didactic characteristics. They attempt to overcome society’s prejudices about black people and to support the struggle against slavery. Most important, Prince’s History is written from a female point of view, thus emphasizing domesticity, emotions and faith, whereas Douglass’ Narrative bears the influence of male ideals such as courage, manliness and education. In the following, both similarities and differences between the two slave narratives ought to be analyzed against the background of the genre and its conventions. The first crucial difference between The History of Mary Prince and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass becomes obvious when observing title and subtitle of Douglass’ Narrative which is fully named Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass – An American Slave – Written by Himself. The latter appendix reveals the emphasis on the former slave’s literacy which indicates not his inferiority but his equality to the white race, both in terms of education and intelligence. Due to his eloquence, Douglass manages to touch the hearts of the audience and thus to provoke sympathy for the victims of slavery. Prince’s story is not written by herself but – in order to maintain the reader’s belief in authenticity – subtitled “A West Indian Slave – Related by Herself”. Although the story is narrated by Prince, the editor’s influence shaped the narration; for example experiences that did not contribute to Prince’s innocent image, such as possibly having affairs, were simply omitted. In order to further emphasize the authenticity of the text and to provoke credibility among white readers, the editor included supplements and additional supportive narratives that were in some books longer than the actual narrative of the protagonist. Also in the Narrative, Douglass includes such supplements; however the emphasis is on his story.

The book covers of the editions this analysis is based on also differ. Whereas Prince, wearing chains, kneels in a humble and begging position, Douglass’ portrait shows self-confidence and education. Here, the different points of views become obvious, that are on the one hand that of a humble female victim, and on the other hand that of an educated male hero. Typically, slave narratives start with the birth and childhood of the protagonist. The childhood period is often described as almost paradisiacal in order to sharpen the contrast with the protagonist’s initiation to slavery. This is true for the History as Prince describes her childhood in the following way: “This was the happiest period of my life; for I was too young to understand rightly my condition as a slave” (p.7). She loves her mistress, Miss Betsey and Miss Fanny, and is also loved by them in return, so that her “heart always softens” (p.9) when she thinks of them.

Whereas feelings and emotions are treated in a positive way here, they soon turn into agonies of sorrow and pain that provoke pity in the reader. Mrs. Williams’ death is the first situation that rouses Prince’s grief which is “too great to be comforted” (p.9). Further emphasis on emotions, as it is typical for the female narration, is revealed when Prince is overwhelmed by her feelings when sold: “Oh, that was a sad time! [...] Oh dear! I cannot bear to think of that day, – it is too much. – It recalls the great grief that filled my heart” (p.9-10). She repeatedly recalls unbearable memories that provoke pity in the reader.

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