Passage: “I did not, when a slave, understand the deep meaning of those rude and apparently incoherent songs. I was myself within the circle; so that I neither saw nor heard as those without might see and hear. They told a tale of woe which was then altogether beyond my feeble comprehension; they were tones loud, long, and deep; they breathed the prayer and complaint of souls boiling over with the bitterest anguish. Every tone was a testimony against slavery, and a prayer to God for deliverance from chains. The hearing of those wild notes always depressed my spirit, and filled me with ineffable sadness. I have frequently found myself in tears while hearing them” (page 242).

The context of this passage is in relation to the Great House Farm, which is a grand plantation owned by Colonel Lloyd. Any slave deems it an honor to work in it, because it would signify that the overseer has enough confidence and trust in the slave to reside in the extensive plantation. The chosen slaves would enthusiastically sing to convey their joy of going to the Great House Farm. Often, slaves would compose and sing sentimental songs. To Frederick Douglass, the tone of these songs was not cheerful, but rather filled with anguish. Douglass stated that he did not understand the meaning of the incoherent songs when he was a slave; however, when he went north, he was repulsed by others’ misunderstanding that singing portrayed happiness. Additionally, Douglass compares the singing of slaves to the singing of a man on a desolate island – they both portray false contentment.

The incorporation of this passage to Douglass’ narrative shows us that singing is a way for slaves to cope with the torment. “Slaves sing most when they are most unhappy” (242). Douglass’ diction in this passage shows an intellectual understanding of the meaning of songs. Because most slaves were illiterate, they had very few methods to express themselves. Singing is one way to express their sorrows, but it is unlikely that overseers and non-slaves were able to decipher these songs. Frederick Douglass combats this disconnection by putting it into words so the masses can understand the dehumanization of slavery and possibly sympathize. Douglass’ literary style is very descriptive, and gives a proper insight of what he has endured, as well as his personal thoughts and emotions pertaining to his enslavement.