frederick douglas: the final chapter

i especially liked this chapter, not necessarily because he escaped but because of the way he used his words and explained what happened. his enthusiasm in his writing is not like the other chapters, in this one he seemed glad to be writing this, which is understandable considering the former chapters, it seems like he is so enthusiastic that he is trying to paint a picture for you with his story. i could very much so understand and picture what was going o in this chapter rather than the others. and on top of that, he escaped!

he first explains that he did in fact escape and that he did not want to explain how in fear that slave owners would know how he escaped and would be more prepared for other slaves escaping. but then he resumes his narrative by explaining his planning and contemplation for escape. one of the reasons is that which his owner gives him six cents every time the money comes, one would think that this would enlighten him, but rather, it infuriates him know that Mr. Hugh is only doing this to make himself feel better about treating slaves like this. and i love the way he describes it too; "giving me a few cents would ease his conscience, and make him feel himself to be a pretty honorable sort of robber. i liked this because he is telling the reader that no matter what Mr. Hugh gives, he is still a robber.

his escape is, again, never really explained but i like that he did it. and i can understand why he would not like the underground railroad either, because when people show off that they did it, it only encourages the slaveholders to try and keep the slaves from escaping even more. he understand that the underground railroad is a way for slaves to escape, but it also creates a danger of the slave catchers to want to recapture the slaves more than before.

his fear of being free is also understandable, because even though he is free, he must begin to take after himself. he must find shelter, food, and money which were provided for him in being a slave. i believe it was ruggles who would turn his life around, and would eventually send him to new bedford after Douglass married anne.  i also enjoyed new bedfords residents, there is no poverty and everyone is equal, how it should be.i think that an astonishing part in his life is when he subscribes to the liberator and actually reads of anti slavery movements

comments:i don't think Mr. Hugh shouldn't have discontinued his work because of some thing that wasn't his fault.
it was nice of ruggles to take douglass in at his time of need.
questions: why did he want to work?
when he was alone, poor, and starved, did he ever think of just going back to the plantation?