Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Department of English Language and Literature.
Abstract
The importance of Frederick Douglass’s narratives lies in the mere necessity of their existence, as they were instruments which proved the importance of education and served as reminders that history should not repeat itself. For a slave, literacy and education were close to impossible, which is why Douglass is so significant. He came from an enslaved family, and, against all odds, not only learned how to read and write, but made himself the biggest African American Hero of his century. This paper explores Douglass's background and his autobiographies and breaks down three major influences on his persona and literacy: the women around him, his faith in God, and his racial background. Additionally, the paper mentions some of his other significant works besides his three autobiographies which this thesis revolves around, in order to present his beliefs and views. Lastly, this thesis displays some instances of the problematics of race in the modern society vastly covered by the (social) media. This paper examines the various influences on Douglass's persona and argues that the biggest influence on him was exercised by women from his early life as a spiritual slave to his adulthood as a hero striving for equality. Women enabled Douglass's literacy and, therefore, moulded his identity which he further developed once he became free
