Frederick Douglass Metaphors Essay

The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass; an autobiography consisting of Frederick Douglass’ search for freedom from the slaveholders who kept many African Americans captive, allowed many to understand the pain and misery in the midst of slavery. Published in 1845, Douglass conveyed the lives of African Americans and how they have suffered a great deal of pain and discomfort through a provocative tone . Throughout his autobiography, Douglass used countless metaphors to portray his life. From Mr. Plummer to Mrs. Auld, the reader could better perceive the text by visualizing the metaphors that Douglass has used. Using Frederick’s writing, youthful audiences can gain knowledge about slavery and its effects.
The metaphors incorporated by Frederick Douglass consisted of terms that could be imagined. For instance, within the autobiography Douglass uses a metaphor when conveying the character of Mr. Plummer, the overseer of Captain Anthony’s land. Douglass wrote, “Mr. Plummer was a miserable drunkard, a profane swearer, and a savage monster.” At this moment, Mr. Plummer would not physically be a monster, but his acts suggest he behaves like one. Rather than Fredrick saying that Mr. Plummer can be an unpleasant or a nasty man, this allows the

To show his perception on the very cruel slaveholders, Douglass uses a multitude of adjectives to create an image in his reader’s mind, while also using metaphors to better comprehend the situation. For example, Douglass stated, “No words, no tears, no prayers, for his gory victim, seemed to move his iron heart from its bloody purpose.” By using this metaphor, Frederick Douglass made the reader question how one could be so cruel to another human being. By visualizing one whipping another without any guilt, it makes the audience understand the inhumanity of slavery. In total, this metaphor creates a agonizing image in the reader’s