The word ‘Philosophy’ originated from the words ‘Philo’ and ‘Sophia’ meaning love and wisdom. Philosophy is concerned with all inquiries, pursuit and practices of wisdom. It specifically entails a systematic human study of their perceptions, thinking and reasoning. One might say that a man/woman without a philosophy is a man/woman without a direction. This is because people live in accordance to the digestion of what they perceive their environments. This paper will take an analytic view of the effects of philosophical beliefs to human life. Discussion will base on the character analysis in the ‘narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass’ by Frederick Douglass, ‘incidents of the life of a slave girl’ by Harriet Jacobs and ‘1984’ a political novel by George Orwell.
The theme of suffering is evident in the stories in all three writings. In the ‘narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass’, Frederick Douglass himself acts both as the protagonist and the narrator. Douglass was born in a slavery society and became a slave who encountered all sorts of evil associated with slavery. Douglass did not know his birthday and was separated from his mother at a very young age. The tendency was common to all slaves (Douglass, 37). The philosophical belief that slaves are not entitled to acquire education was much practiced in the entire environment of Douglass’s life. Ignorance was considered as a tool of slavery by slave owners. Slaves’ relationship with the rich was poor and brutal. In presence of their masters, slaves were expected to behave in a certain way that identifies them. Failure to that was a severe punishment by the owners who treated slaves like objects rather than human beings. Douglass’ early life had to encounter such undesired situation of torture and suffering. The situation was even worse bearing in mind that Douglass’ father was probably his own master. However, Douglass proved to be strong enough and a reasoned rational figure. The condition and philosophic ideology of slavery did not have negative consequences to the slaves only but also the owners of slaves. Lack of education played the bigger part in keeping slaves rights undermined. Douglass showed great sympathy with the perception that rich people can only enjoy everything that human being could. The role of slaves was serving the rich in a brutal and violent manner and could not have a say about their lives at any given point. The time Douglass was transferred from the plantation proved to be a turning point of his life. This is because he began to access the precious thing that Douglass dreamt of to acquire one day. That was the chance to learn alphabets, read and write. ‘Whilst I was saddened by the thought of losing the aid of my kind mistress’ Douglass explains after Auld ordered Sophia to stop the learning lessons with a view that education ruins slavery. Education made Douglass realize the effects of being raised in a slavery environment. Fighting was the only way to ask for something. Douglass had to fight with Covey and letter realized the sense of self and justice through the fight.
During the early days of learning, Sophia treated Douglass with care and provided almost everything needed in the learning process. However, the general thinking of how slaves were supposed to be treated influenced the change Sophia’s attitude. Douglass coped with the situation as he was used to being isolated and alienated. Although life was miserable, Douglass remained optimistic about the future. The inner philosophical spirit made him believe to advance in self education that could enable him realizes his commitment to improving lives of fellow slaves. The success in education for Douglass proved to be critical in the build up to the liberation of slavery. Rich slave owners were made aware that slavery does not benefit them either. It brings more harm and psychological unrest which result into chaos instead of happiness. This idea enhanced the beginning of the abolishment of slave trade. The blacks therefore got their chance to prosper and lead life as the white in the United States of America.
‘Incidents of the Life of a slave Girl ‘on the other presents the life of Linda Brent, a young innocent slave girl who lives miserably in most of her lifetime. Linda is the protagonist of Harriet Jacobs. Linda is unaware of her birth day as that was the common situation for slaves. Linda had to face harassment and betrayal from subsequent masters. The strong self worth that Linda exhibited was initially installed by her parents while Linda was still young. The parents knew what Linda was bound to face and prepared her adequately to build confidence required in overcoming all sorts of obstacles. As Linda was growing to the teenage age, she learned that people owned her. Linda’s inner spirit and philosophical thinking created room for her to accept that status. In spite of the major mistreatment and suffering, Linda never lost her self-respect. Linda further focuses on the desire to have a normal family and a home. Linda’s independent spirit made her cope with the slavery life with courage. The incidences of sexual harassment at the hand of Dr. Flint intensified Linda’s desire to have a self life control. This show how strong was Linda.
Linda independently chose Mr. Sands to have an affair with and nobody interfered with what she intended to do. The intention of the relationship was to despise Mr. Flint and show him that it is her choice that matters (Jacobs, 41). Linda’s reasoning was critical in exercising her authority over her body even though she remained a slave.
During the seven years of hiding in the attic crawl, Linda was subjected to both physical and psychological suffering. Linda considered that situation better compared to being Flint’s concubine. This is again an expression of the desire to being spiritual and psychological independent. Linda’s dedication to serve her children at all cost proves how responsible and committed she is, even after all mistreatments from her masters. At a young age, the dream was to escape slavery one day, and when she becomes a mother, Linda still insists to have freedom. The self sense of feeling towards her children enhanced the bond between them and could not leave them even for a short period. Most of Linda’s actions are directed and guided by essential emotions of moral conflict. Linda chooses to even sacrifice her life if that could save her children and give them the opportunity for freedom. ‘Slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women’ Linda explained in chapter fourteen her fight to rescue and put more emphasis to her depiction of the emotional anguish.
Linda’s philosophical stand of being ethical regardless of the situation worked magic in protecting her children. It further provided her with the skill to defend against the harassments. The use of psychological warfare together with canning tricks helped Linda overcome the advances of Mr. Flint. Having encountered all sorts of evil, Linda’s character reflects that in ethical view, the African Americans are at a higher level if compared to the white. This is because, the white live smoothly with little life obstacles.
The lives of Linda Brent and Douglass Frederick as discussed above concur with Winston Smith, a character in the book ‘1984’ by of George Orwell. Winston Smith is the protagonist of George Orwell, an essayist, journalist and English novelist whose work emphasizes the awareness of social justice. Orwell uses Winston Smith to demonstrate and warn the West of the dangers of totalitarian. Winston is seen painfully trudge upstairs having ulcer on his right ankle. Though undergoing through rough conditions, Winston proves to be a strong and significant in the totalitarian political regime. In all the events in the book, Winston had a natural tendency to resist his individuality and used his intellectual abilities to cope with the harsh situations. Winston had rebellious and fatalism nature. George Orwell’s work promoted democratic socialism seen in the downfall and life experiences of Winston. Winston’s strong perspective is not hampered by the brutal physical and psychological torture by their government. Winston successfully uses the frightening techniques to depict the totalitarian government. At the end, Winston emerges as a hero.
Slavery life lacked many aspects of justice as discussed in the lives of Linda, Douglass and Winston. However, even after having faced the humiliation and life suffering, they remained focused of optimistic to lead a normal life like any human being. Orwell exposed the critics that result from slavery life situations where slaves are objects of the rich. Social justice stresses that totalitarianism ideology is a disgrace to the modern philosophical world (Orwell and John, 23). Orwell’s writing influenced many political cultures bringing the balance of the view of what people consider good and bad.
Conclusion
People with strong self identity, philosophical beliefs and reasoning have the assets that lead them to success. This is evident from the lives Linda and Douglass in the two narratives. Suffering and humiliation should not be the reason for one to engage in unethical acts. Personal moral values are essential aspects that define human beings. If people put their real inner feeling and moral values in executing their duties, the world could be a better place for everyone.
Works Cited
Douglass, Frederick. The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. S.l.: Quiet Vision, 2000. Print.
Jacobs, Harriet A. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. New York: Oxford University Press, 1990. Print.
Orwell, George. 1984: A Novel. New York, N.Y: Published by Signet Classic, 1977. Print.
