The Heroic Slave

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of racism. 

Douglass uses allusions, or references, to various people and figures. His historical allusions include the Founding Fathers Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. Aligning the American Revolution with the Creole enslaved people’s revolt is a way to argue for its morality. Just as America broke free from British rule, Douglass argues, enslavement should be abolished, and formerly enslaved Black people should receive equal treatment to white people. 

Another historical and religious figure whom Douglass references is the martyr Erasmus. He is the patron saint of sailors, which reflects how the revolt that Madison leads is at sea. Erasmus is persecuted for being a Christian and hides for a while to avoid the torture at Antioch. An angel helps Erasmus escape. Mr. Listwell thinks of this story when he has to hide his abolitionist views at the tavern outside of Richmond.

Douglass also uses allusions from myth. For example, he describes Madison as someone with “Herculean strength.” This is a reference to the myth of Hercules performing 12 labors; he is a God of strength and heroes. Invoking Hercules to describe Madison develops his characterization as a hero.