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What Is Frederick Douglass's Search For Freedom

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Douglass argues in the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, although one may had escaped slavery, freedom is yet difficult for one to truly achieve. Freedom is a complex process in which it may be perceived as being comforting, immediately after one reaches the state, but this may not always be the case. Douglass clarifies his position regarding his first hand experience in achieving freedom, as he explains, “In writing to a dear friend, immediately after my arrival at New York, I said I felt like one who had escaped a den of hungry lions. This state of mind, however, very soon subsided; and I was again seized with a feeling of great insecurity and loneliness” (Douglass 92). Douglass finally obtained the long desired freedom and through this, he …show more content…

It is clear that he was able to achieve freedom, but he was not able to achieve the comfort and security in freedom.He continues to feel this difficulty even after time has passed, as he expresses, “When the stage-driver found us unable to pay our fare, he held on upon our baggage as security for the debt. I had but to mention the fact to Mr. Johnson, and he forthwith advanced the money” (Douglass 95). Douglass does not yet have the capability of supporting himself, so he has to depend on the strangers for assistance. This signifies how freedom does not solely represent abolishing slavery, but also possessing the responsibility of oneself and their lives. Although he has moved up to Massachusetts and matured in a way as time passed, his incapability demonstrates that he did not truly achieve freedom for what it signifies. He is able to reach freedom once he has the capability of being responsible over himself and feel a sense of security or comfort in an unfamiliar environment.Throughout this chapter, I was pleased knowing that he had finally accomplish his ultimate

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