A look into the work of Fredrick Douglass and Robert Browning shows that the society around them heavily influences their work. While Douglass concentrated on larger social issues such as slavery and false use of religion, Browning looked into the interpersonal relationships of members of their societies. A common aspect of both writings, however, is the social critique that the two writers engage in. Through their work, they attempt to point out at the evils they see in their society, with the hope that their criticism will help change the situation .
Fredrick Douglass, in his poem, a parody, analyzes the practice of Christianity in the American society at that time. His observation brings about questions on whether the religious practices at the time were genuine at all. According to him, the society, and especially leaders who professed Christianity did not act as the religion required. He notes that his criticism of the religious leaders is mistaken as general opposition to religion and religious practices. He, however, notes that he; himself professes Christianity, but only the right version of Christianity .
Through the poem, he clearly highlights the problem he sees with Christianity of the time. The following passage is an example of activities that do not represent true Christianity; “How pious priests whip Jack and Nell, and women buy and children sell, and preach all sinners down to hell.” . Such, practice, according to Douglass is not right and comparable to the actions done by Pharisees and scribes during the biblical times. The criticism leveled towards the Pharisees, therefore, is the same criticism Douglass chooses to level against the Christians in his society.
Douglass continues to criticize the society and the in particular leaders on their conduct, based on what they preach. As expected in any situation, leaders should be the first to practice what they tell their followers to do. He does not see this practice to be a reflection of the true Christian doctrine. He argues that religious leaders should be at the forefront practicing what they preach to their congregation. The following excerpt of the poem describes the folly he sees among the Christians of the time; "They'll read and sing a sacred song, and make a prayer both loud and long, and teach the right and do the wrong.” . According to him, true Christianity should have leaders who practice what they teach, which is not the case in the American society.
Slavery also comes out as a major issue of concern for Douglass . He notes the contradiction in religious leaders professing their love for God while condoning slavery. “Array their backs in fine black coats, Then seize their negroes by their throats, And choke, for heavenly union.” . This contradiction by the religious leaders is made worse by the attempts to use religious doctrines to justify their actions. “Another preacher whining spoke Of One whose heart for sinners broke: He tied old Nanny to an oak, And drew the blood at every stroke, And prayed for heavenly union.” . According to Douglass, such use of religion to justify evil actions such as slavery is wrong and presents a bad picture about Christianity.
Whereas Douglass is straightforward in his critique of the religious institutions in his society, Browning critique of the society through his poem; My last Duchess, is not easily discernable . The most evident form of criticism that Browning projects is on the Duke, who comes across as a proud person. He has an aura of arrogance, which Browning indirectly criticizes by making the audience dislike the Duke. The first portrayal of the Duke’s pride is the extensive use of personal pronouns. In the text, “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall” , the Duke views his wife as a procession and not a person. In addition, his pride is seen where he announces he is not okay in human interaction through words; “Even had you skill In speech—(which I have not)—to make your will.” . Through such texts, Browning paints a bad picture of the Duke, which can be translated as criticism of the pride shown by the elite in the society.
Browning then sheds light on the issue of marriage, and expectations that people have of this institution. He just falls short of criticizing this system by noting the evil things that the married people engage in. First, the Duke is presented as highly jealous, and offended by the actions of his late wife. “She thanked men,—good! but thanked Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name With anybody’s gift.” . This text shows the ugly side of marriage. At one corner is the jealous husband who is disgusted by the idea of his wife behaving disgracefully when relating to other men. On the other hand, there is a wife, who is possibly engaging in extra-marital affairs. Browning, therefore, criticizes the whole marriage institutions and the actors within .
He goes on to highlight the potential evils that can happen in the society because of bad marriages. In the following excerpt, the Duke hints at having directed his wife to be murdered. “Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt, Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together.” . By highlighting the actions of the Duke, Browning criticizes the evils in the society such as murder, that happen because of flaws in human interactions.
The two poets, Browning, and Douglass were inspired by occurrences around them when writing their pieces. Through their work, they criticize the evils they see in the society, with the former focusing on issues of interpersonal relationships especially in marriage, while the latter focuses on issues of religion and slavery.
Bibliography
Browning, Robert. "My last Duchess." n.d.
Douglass, Fredrick. "A parody." n.d.
Ganter, Granville. "" He made us laugh some": Frederick Douglass's humor."." African American Review 37.4 (2003): 535-552.
Hawlin, Stefan. ""Rethinking ‘My Last Duchess’." ." Essays in Criticism 62.2 (2012): 139-159.
sunypress.edu. "Poetry as Political and Social Criticism." 2005. sunypress.edu. 13 April 2016 <https://www.sunypress.edu/pdf/61125.pdf>.
