Reading prompts for the class of October 18: Huck Finn, chap 10 + excerpt from "The Heroic Slave" by F. Douglass
As always, choose either of the reading prompts to comment on:
1 comment:
Anonymous
said...
Carolina Amaro
In “The Heroic Slave”, Frederick Douglass combines fiction and historical facts to portray Madison Washington in a way that directly challenges the racist stereotype of "ignorant negroes”, defended in this story by the character Williams. Douglass uses both narration and the development of scenes to demonstrate that Washington could not possibly fit into this role.
Through the narration, Washington is described as a “superior man”, courageous, intelligent, as an “exception of Williams’s rule”, “his words well chosen, and his pronunciation equal to any schoolmaster”. He is also presented as someone with great character and motivation. His decision to escape slavery and later lead a rebellion aboard the ship shows a deep understanding of the injustice of slavery and a determination to fight for freedom, not just for himself, but also for others. The author also uses dialogue and actions to prove the eloquence and capacity of Washington. For example, in Washington's interactions with other characters, he demonstrates leadership and persuasion skills, intelligence and the ability to plan. His capacity to express his thoughts through words and inspire others to follow his example.
All of this shows that he’s far from ignorant and being so, impossible to be considered part of the stereotype in question.
1 comment:
Carolina Amaro
In “The Heroic Slave”, Frederick Douglass combines fiction and historical facts to portray Madison Washington in a way that directly challenges the racist stereotype of "ignorant negroes”, defended in this story by the character Williams. Douglass uses both narration and the development of scenes to demonstrate that Washington could not possibly fit into this role.
Through the narration, Washington is described as a “superior man”, courageous, intelligent, as an “exception of Williams’s rule”, “his words well chosen, and his pronunciation equal to any schoolmaster”.
He is also presented as someone with great character and motivation. His decision to escape slavery and later lead a rebellion aboard the ship shows a deep understanding of the injustice of slavery and a determination to fight for freedom, not just for himself, but also for others.
The author also uses dialogue and actions to prove the eloquence and capacity of Washington. For example, in Washington's interactions with other characters, he demonstrates leadership and persuasion skills, intelligence and the ability to plan. His capacity to express his thoughts through words and inspire others to follow his example.
All of this shows that he’s far from ignorant and being so, impossible to be considered part of the stereotype in question.
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