Anyone read the Narrative of Frederick Douglass?

Question

What is the relationship between the mastery of language and political freedom, as seen in the Narrative?

Answer 1

Mastery of language IS the key to political freedom for Douglass. In his lifetime there were three versions of Douglass' narrative published. Douglass' own eloquence in part sets him free to include further details in his own story later in his life. As he is able to find words for the pain and horror he witnesses (such as the whipping), he is forging a way toward the political freedom necessary to express his views in a more public forum (such as the public speaking he does) and to, of course, speak for others.