Read this passage from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
If the lineal descendants of Ham are alone to be scripturally enslaved, it is certain that slavery at the south must soon become unscriptural; for thousands are ushered into the world, annually, who, like myself, owe their existence to white fathers, and those fathers most frequently their own masters.
What is one effect of Douglass's allusion to the biblical story of the sons of Ham in his memoir?
Responses
It suggests that Douglass does not view the Bible as an important text and makes his anger towards enslavers clear.
It suggests that Douglass does not view the Bible as an important text and makes his anger towards enslavers clear.,
It acknowledges the fact that enslaved people have been cursed by God and gives the text its bitter tone.
It acknowledges the fact that enslaved people have been cursed by God and gives the text its bitter tone.,
It establishes Douglass as a well-read, educated man whose critical view of enslavement is a reasonable one.
It establishes Douglass as a well-read, educated man whose critical view of enslavement is a reasonable one.,
It refutes the notion that enslaved people are the descendants of Ham and makes readers view Douglass as deeply cynical.
It refutes the notion that enslaved people are the descendants of Ham and makes readers view Douglass as deeply cynical.
It establishes Douglass as a well-read, educated man whose critical view of enslavement is a reasonable one.
The passage from Frederick Douglass's memoir alludes to the biblical story of the sons of Ham. To understand the effect of this allusion, we need to analyze Douglass's words and the context in which they are presented.
In the passage, Douglass argues that if the descendants of Ham are the only ones to be scripturally enslaved, then slavery in the South would soon become unscriptural. He highlights that there are many individuals, like himself, who are born to white fathers, often their own masters. By referencing the biblical story of the sons of Ham, Douglass challenges the belief that enslaved people are cursed by God.
One possible effect of this allusion is that it establishes Douglass as a well-read and educated individual. By demonstrating his familiarity with biblical stories and using them to challenge the ideology of enslavement, Douglass showcases his intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills. This portrayal positions him as a reasonable and credible voice against the institution of slavery.
Furthermore, the allusion adds a bitter tone to the passage. Douglass implies that the enslavers who use biblical justifications are misinterpreting the scriptures to rationalize their oppressive actions. By acknowledging the belief that enslaved people are descendants of Ham and then refuting its validity, Douglass reveals the hypocrisy and cynicism inherent in the pro-slavery arguments.
Therefore, the correct response is: "It establishes Douglass as a well-read, educated man whose critical view of enslavement is a reasonable one."