The Heroic Slave

I believe that Frederick Douglass may have intended to use The Heroic Slave as a form of propaganda to promote a more positive attitude towards African Americans since it was written for an anti-slavery organization. This was done through the portrayal of Madison Washington as a heroic figure, and Douglass included many descriptions of Washington throughout the book that established his heroic traits. For example, Washington's physical appearance was described as having "Herculean strength" and "a giant's strength" (pg. 10) while Listwell was eavesdropping on his soliloquy. In addition, Washington is shown as a compassionate and loving man from how much he loves his wife and how he wanted to save the man who helped him in the forest. Lastly, Washington's nobility and intelligence is shown by how he saves Grant's life and handles the slave rebellion on the Creole. These traits not only portray Washington as a hero but someone who is almost too good to be true.


After reading the book, I respected Washington for his honorable character, and I believe that readers back then who read the book would also feel the same way. Again, this leads back to my assumption that this book was written in attempt to change people's views of African Americans at the time. After reading the book, one may begin to believe that African Americans should not be enslaved or seen as inferior because they too are a brave, honorable group of people.