Frederick Douglass Key Factors

The issue of slavery has always been a sensitive and important topic in the history of the United States. Frederick Douglass' Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is an autobiographical account of his experience as a slave and his eventual escape to freedom. His story is not unique, as many other slaves attempted to escape to freedom. However, most slaves did not make the attempt to escape, and this raises the question of why Douglass was able to achieve freedom while most other slaves did not. In this essay, I will explore the factors that set Douglass apart from his peers and the qualities that impelled and helped slaves to escape.

Like Frederick Douglass, some slaves successfully escaped from slavery to the free states or to Canada,

One of the key factors was his intelligence and education. Despite being born into slavery, he was able to learn how to read and write, which was rare for a slave during that time. His intelligence allowed him to understand the world around him and gave him the ability to analyze his situation and plan for escape. Another factor that set Douglass apart was his determination and courage. He was not afraid to speak up against injustice and fight for his freedom, even if it meant risking his life.

Several examples from the text demonstrate Douglass' intelligence and determination. For instance, he describes how he learned to read by observing the letters on ships' sails and how he traded bread for lessons from poor white children. Douglass also demonstrated his courage by standing up to his master and refusing to be beaten, even when he knew the consequences of his actions.

One of the primary qualities that impelled slaves to escape was the desire for freedom. Slaves were treated as property and had no control over their lives. This lack of control over their own destiny was unbearable for some slaves, and they were willing to risk their lives to escape. Another reason for escaping was the desire to reunite with family members who had been sold to other plantations. Slaves were often separated from their families, and the prospect of being reunited with loved ones was a powerful motivator.

Douglass' intelligence, determination, and courage set him apart from his peers and contributed to his successful escape. The desire for freedom and the desire to reunite with family members were powerful motivators for slaves who attempted to escape, while the fear of punishment and the lack of resources and support prevented many from trying. Ultimately, a successful escape required a combination of luck, skill, and planning. Douglass' narrative is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of those who fought against slavery and their struggles for