Literacy in Song of Solomon, Life of Frederick Douglass, Push and Slave Narratives :: comparison compare contrast essays

Exploration of Language and Literacy in Song of Solomon, Life of Frederick Douglass, Push and Slave Narratives African-Americans have been contributing to American literature for hundreds of y pinnas. From Gustavus Vassa, or Olaudah Equiano, in 1789 to Sapphire in 1996, writers have been telling their stories. The influence of nonage writers and speakers on literature, literacy, and language is certainly notable. First of all, black American literature helps others hear the minority component part and vicariously share the minority experience. The typical discolor reader cannot understand what the black race undergoes on a daily and generational cornerstone however, literature can bring the white reader into the minoritys world by tapping into the readers imagination and sympathies. The main purpose of the slave narratives is to let readers share the slaves experiences, and as a result elicit sympathies so that the reader will consider, and hopefully act upon, abolitionist i deals. In the preface to Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, William Lloyd Garrison writes close to Douglass and the white northerners whose sympathy and affection he has strongly secured by the many sufferings he has endured, ...whose minds he has enlightened on the subject of slavery, and who have been melted to tears by his pathos, or roused to virtuous indignation by his stirring eloquence against the enslavers of men (ix). Douglass was certainly aware of his mission to agitate the public mind and realize the hearts of others (xii). He achieved this purpose through his voice unwaveringly telling the pitiful story of his slave experiences. How could his audience turn a deaf ear to such eloquence and power? Like Douglass, Sapphire shares the minority experience with the privileged population. She achieves this feat through the character Precious and her unique voice. The minority voice is distinct and unavoidable, for it is the voice that narrates t he story. For example, Precious contrasts her life experiences with the dominant classs experiences What is a normal life? A life where you not shamed of your mother. Where your friends come over after schooling and watch TV and do homework. Where your mother is normal looking and dont hit you over the head wif iron skillet. I would wish for in my fantasy a second chance. Since my first chance go to Mama and Daddy (Sapphire 114-115). These powerful statements from the voice of an eighteen year old African-American girl bring the white reader into the reality of the life of the minority.