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 19thcentury, 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 inThe 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’sHistoryis 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 betweenThe 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. [...]
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- A Comparison of Slave Narratives
- Key Differences: Title, Subtitle, and Portrayals
- Childhood and Loss of Innocence
- Separation and Cruelty
Objectives and Key Themes
This analysis aims to compare and contrast two prominent slave narratives, The History of Mary Prince and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, examining their similarities and differences within the context of the slave narrative genre. The analysis explores how each narrative uses literary techniques and personal experiences to convey the horrors of slavery and advocate for abolition.
- The impact of gender on the portrayal of slavery
- The use of emotional appeals versus factual arguments in abolitionist literature
- The depiction of the loss of innocence and family separation in slave narratives
- The role of religious hypocrisy in perpetuating slavery
- The contrasting portrayals of slaveholders and enslaved people
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the historical and literary context for the analysis. It explains the rise of slave narratives in the 19th century as tools in the abolitionist movement, emphasizing their didactic purpose and emotional impact on readers. The introduction highlights the common themes found in these narratives: the slave's upbringing, family separation, cruel treatment, longing for freedom, and eventual escape. It also foreshadows the comparative analysis of The History of Mary Prince and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, focusing on their similarities and differences in perspective and narrative style.
A Comparison of Slave Narratives: This section delves into a detailed comparison of The History of Mary Prince and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. It begins by highlighting the crucial difference in the titles and subtitles of the two narratives, revealing the emphasis on Douglass' literacy and self-authored narrative, contrasting with Prince's narrative, which, while related by her, shows editorial influence. The contrasting book cover imagery—Prince depicted as a humble victim, and Douglass as a confident, educated man—further underscores the different perspectives and roles presented. The chapter lays the groundwork for the subsequent analysis by establishing these initial points of divergence.
Key Differences: Title, Subtitle, and Portrayals: This section analyzes the differences in presentation between the two narratives, starting with the titles and subtitles. It highlights how Douglass's subtitle emphasizes his literacy and agency, signifying his intellectual equality with white society, while Prince's subtitle, though claiming to be "Related by Herself," subtly points to the editor's influence, which altered aspects of her story to preserve a particular image. This section also contrasts the visual presentation of the narratives, focusing on the difference in the book covers; Douglass portrayed as self-assured and educated, in contrast to Prince, depicted as a humble and pleading victim in chains. These visual cues highlight the differing viewpoints presented in each narrative - that of a humble female victim versus that of an educated male hero.
Childhood and Loss of Innocence: This section examines the common trope in slave narratives of depicting a paradisiacal childhood, sharply contrasting with the later harsh realities of slavery. In The History of Mary Prince, the idyllic initial relationship with her mistress is juxtaposed with the agonizing grief she experiences upon her mistress' death and subsequent sale. Prince's emotional responses are central to her narrative. In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, the early separation from his mother is presented as a common practice, highlighting the systemic nature of this cruelty and the powerlessness of the enslaved. Both narratives effectively utilize this technique to emphasize the brutal disruption of innocence and family bonds that characterize the slave experience.
Separation and Cruelty: This section focuses on the traumatic experience of family separation, a recurring theme in both narratives. In The History of Mary Prince, the sale and separation from her family are depicted through vivid emotional descriptions highlighting the intensity of her grief and loss. In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, the separation from his mother and the constant threat of separation from fellow slaves are emphasized. The recurring fear of separation underscores the dehumanizing nature of slavery and its impact on human relationships. The chapter further contrasts the reactions to such separation. Prince emphasizes her emotional responses, aligning with the conventions of a female narrative, while Douglass focuses on the systemic nature of this cruelty and uses it to ignite anger and provoke a reaction in the reader.
Keywords
Slave narratives, The History of Mary Prince, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, abolitionism, gender, emotion, family separation, cruelty, religious hypocrisy, literacy, education, masculinity, femininity, comparative analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparison of Slave Narratives - *The History of Mary Prince* and *Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass*
What is the purpose of this analysis?
This analysis compares and contrasts The History of Mary Prince and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, exploring their similarities and differences within the context of the slave narrative genre. It examines how each narrative uses literary techniques and personal experiences to convey the horrors of slavery and advocate for abolition.
What are the key themes explored in this analysis?
Key themes include the impact of gender on the portrayal of slavery, the use of emotional appeals versus factual arguments in abolitionist literature, the depiction of the loss of innocence and family separation, the role of religious hypocrisy in perpetuating slavery, and the contrasting portrayals of slaveholders and enslaved people.
What are the main differences between *The History of Mary Prince* and *Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass*?
Significant differences exist in the titles, subtitles, and overall presentation. Douglass's subtitle highlights his literacy and agency, emphasizing his intellectual equality, unlike Prince's, which subtly acknowledges editorial influence. Their book covers also differ, depicting Douglass as confident and educated, and Prince as a humble victim. These differences reflect the differing perspectives and roles presented—a humble female victim versus an educated male hero.
How do the narratives depict childhood and the loss of innocence?
Both narratives contrast idyllic childhoods with the harsh realities of slavery. Prince's narrative emphasizes the emotional impact of losing her mistress and being sold, while Douglass focuses on the systematic cruelty of early separation from his mother. Both effectively highlight the brutal disruption of innocence and family bonds.
How is family separation portrayed in the narratives?
Family separation is a recurring traumatic theme. Prince vividly describes the emotional intensity of her grief and loss upon separation. Douglass emphasizes the systemic nature of this cruelty and the constant threat of separation, highlighting the dehumanizing aspect of slavery and its impact on human relationships. Prince's response is more emotionally driven, while Douglass's focuses on systemic cruelty.
What is the historical and literary context of these slave narratives?
The introduction establishes the 19th-century context of slave narratives as tools in the abolitionist movement, emphasizing their didactic purpose and emotional impact. It highlights common themes like upbringing, family separation, cruel treatment, longing for freedom, and escape. It sets the stage for the comparative analysis of the two chosen narratives.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Key words include slave narratives, The History of Mary Prince, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, abolitionism, gender, emotion, family separation, cruelty, religious hypocrisy, literacy, education, masculinity, femininity, and comparative analysis.
- Quote paper
- Julia Deitermann (Author), 2004, A Comparison of the Slave Narratives "The History of Mary Prince" and "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/61096
