Frederick Douglass

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northern whites. used family relationships, starting with his birth to tug at the heartstrings of his targeted audience. He never knew the true identity of his father, but it was "whispered" (2) that it was his master. Douglass mentioned this to show how the "slave holder in (many) cases, sustains to his slaves the double relation of master and father." (2) This was so commonplace that it was "by law established that the children of women shall in all cases follow the condition of their mother." (2) This meant that these bastard children were to be slaves despite their paternal heritage because their mother was a slave. The effect was to shock and offend the morals of the conservative northern whites. People involved in adulteress and interracial relationships were scorned by northern society. By portraying these southerners as immoral and adulteress, Douglass wanted his audience to have an unfavorable opinion of southern slaveholders. Keeping with the ...

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to the privilege of supporting herself in perfect loneliness; thus virtually turning her out to die." (28) This showed the lack of decency or gratitude on the part of slave holders toward slaves that had faithfully, their entire lives, served their masters. The mistreatment of elders in this manner would enrage the readers, especially those with close-knit families, because the aged were to be taken care of and respected until death. The usefulness of older people went beyond physical attributes because they had a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. The fact that slave masters could show so little regard and respect for Douglass’s grandmother would be loathsome and ...

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