The Slave Narrative and Self Reliance
Relating Frederick Douglass’s slave narrative and Emerson’s “Self-Reliance”
While Frederick’s novel was a self titled boom depicting the tribulations that he suffered as a slave in the United States, Emerson’s novel is more of o second person’s view of others in the post slavery America. This is exhibited by the use of first person in Frederick’s book which is similar to use of the same the person in self-reliance where Emerson speaks of his quest towards identifying his inner sense and identity. The setting of the two novels is in the days after war and slave trade when people were striving to establish their presence and identity in society (Emerson, 1967).
During this rebuilding episode, the status of a person was highly regarded in society especially for the blacks who had embraced the ways of the white. Consequently, blacks who had been owned by the whites portrayed a deep contempt for those who had managed to buy their freedom such that even these were at times subjected to humiliation by their fellow blacks (Smith, 1991).
Frederick views his stint as a slave as being paramount in determining his fate, as well as, in future endeavors as he portrayed higher levels of humane thoughts and harbored less hatred for his masters because they had given him a chance to discover himself. Emerson on the other hand does not give nay credit to the whites for his turning pointing self-realization as he believes everyone has an inner self that guides them through every decision-making process. Hence a person needs not undergo through an episode of harrowing days in the hands of slave owners to discover their self. Therefore, everyone has a right to establish their identity only if they are able to recognize their inner self (Frederick, 2009).
The writer’s view of people and society
Emerson portrays people as being driven by society in their endeavors to realize their self as is seen in young children’s ability to carry out their activities without being bothered by what society thinks about them or the repercussion of engaging in certain actions. However, as people grow up, the role of society in shaping their lives and actions increases and it reaches a point when everything that is done by an individual is meant to please others regardless of the cost on the individual. Emerson, further on argues that lack of self-realization in the person is hindered by the urge to please society surpassing the individuals dreams and pursuits in life. These calls for people realizing that individual interest should always prevail before the expectations of society as self-reliance is discovered by ensuring that an individual learns about personal goals before encountering those that are shaped by society (Emerson, 1967).
Frederick Douglass blames the humiliating predicament of slaves by their masters to lack of insight and dreams which are not overly restricted to the slave owner’s compound. Although he learnt this the hard way, Frederick refused to believe that slaves were so because the whites regarded them so and he was able to delve into the intentions of his white masters to identify what they used as parameters to measure the worth of slaves. This led to realization that people need not live in a certain way just because society dictates that they live exactly that way. By disengaging from certain expectations of the white society, he was able to learn various significant aspects of his people, as well as, that of his owners. According to his excerpts, other members of society should not hinder achievement of personal goals as people learn more substantial concepts without having to involve society (Smith, 1991).
The writer’s perception of the views and thoughts of others on society
Frederick regarded the white people’s notion of the blacks as being prejudiced especially when he proved to be more eloquent than his fellow black countrymen. From what is gathered by the writer, the white could not comprehend how a black slave would turn out to be more educated that his fellows yet all of them were slaves. This prejudiced perception is verified by his former masters harsh rebuking on his wife when she attempted to teach the Negro how to read and write (Frederick, 2009). Further evidence is seen in the knowledge of birthdates which is normal for the African-Americans but unheard of in the world of whites. From this context, society depicts illiteracy in blacks as being usual while the whites are expected to be well learned hence the people think that they cannot attain the same educational levels as their white masters (Smith, 1991).
Emerson tends to perceive other peoples thoughts as being preoccupied by the need to please members of society as a way of gaining recognition and applause. Consequently, this does little to boost their chances of attaining self-reliance as they depend on the preconceived idea that culture and customs of society will help tem in their day-to-day activities. He cautions such ideologies as being irrational as society never advances and it is for members to move forward otherwise they will be doomed. The writer also expounds on peoples view that they have to be acceptable in society to make their lives meaningful. This is designated in the way in which people are tied up by popular cultures such that fear of denunciation and criticism makes them less focused in pursuing personal goals. Emerson depicts Jesus as a person who did not conform to the values of society and even after being rejected He emerged victories as He had accomplished self-reliance, as well as, personal goals against society’s expectations (Emerson, 1967).
Tone difference and mood between the two literary works
Frederick Douglass uses a sad and blackened tone when describing the entire events that had taken place in his owner’s home prior to getting an insight on how slaves were regarded. Consequently, being denied his rights and rejection by his fellow African-Americans in the slavery union was equally painful especially as the cause of rejection was outright advancement in learning. His mood changes in the course of narrating his ordeals as some sessions are emotionally draining and an emotional mood is adopted (Kraviss, 1995).
Emerson uses a tone of urgency in presenting his ideas and story to the reader which cold be attributed to the need for former slaves to realize their identities hence avoid being deluded by society in their lives. Similarly, the tone is inspirational as the text gets to some point where readers are given appropriate words which are encouraging in their lives. The mood is somber due to the fact that the writer wants the reader to develop a different attitude towards their identity (Kraviss, 1995).
References
Emerson, Waldo, Ralph self-reliance. Bompa crazy.com 1967
Frederick, Douglass. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave. LLC: BiblioBazaar. 2009
Kraviss, Judy. Teaching literature: writers and teachers talking.CorkUniversity Press. 1995
Smith, Brewster. Values, self, and society: toward a humanist social psychology. Transaction publishers. 1991
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