Thomas Jefferson Frederick Douglas Comparison Contrast Paper

Ashwin Maheshwari

Representing Race

2/13/11

Autobiographies offer further insight in history, as events are depicted through the eyes of the author. History accounts for the general details of important events. Autobiographies are great sources to get additional information on historic events. Autobiographies are more relatable because of personal details and anecdotes. Thomas Jefferson and Frederick Douglass are two famous figures in American history that have written autobiographies. In their autobiographies, they recall experiences in their lives. From reading their autobiographies, we see the perspectives of someone with high prominence at the time versus someone of the general public. Autobiographies offer the ability to recreate history by depicting events from the author’s point of view, through their class, the audience they are addressing, and the beliefs and emotions they felt.

Styles of writing can differ through the status and class the author belonged to. Thomas Jefferson is a prominent rich white southerner, while Frederick Douglass is an escaped black slave. Both of them are fighting for freedom, but in totally different aspects. Jefferson resents being seen as a second-class citizen by Britain. Douglass’s emotions are similar in that respect, though perhaps even more justified fighting slavery. The way each man addresses his issue is completely different. Jefferson’s tone is detached and scientific. An example of this is in the Declaration of Independence section of The Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson, when Jefferson takes account of all the actions that are occurring in the Continental Congress. He does not share his own insight or feelings. History in this situation is recreated through the eyes of a white wealthy politician dealing with succession from Britain.

Douglass’s tone differs from Jefferson’s as it is more personal, direct, and heartfelt. In Douglass’s autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass shares...