introduction

Douglas' Autobiography "is the autobiography of the 19th century black abolitionist leader Douglas, which had a significant impact on American history. Early research focused on its political impact and the author's relationship with abolitionists, but in the mid to late 20th century, it shifted towards literary and intellectual exploration. Researchers expose the evil and cruelty of slavery through the narrative of time by slaves in the book, such as not knowing their birth date and long hours of labor. Henry Lewis Gates pointed out that Douglas used binary oppositional metaphors, such as linear time and cyclic time, to depict the different survival states of slaves and slave owners. Gerald Jenkins compared slave labor to capitalist factory labor and argued for the distortion of slave work ethics. This article explores how time narrative becomes an important dimension for reproducing the living conditions of slaves and exposing the oppressive nature of slavery, as well as how Douglas uses time narrative to achieve self liberation, from the three aspects of time narrative in "Autobiography".

The deficiency of time consciousness and the limitation of life consciousness

An in-depth analysis was conducted on the slaves' perception and expression of time in Douglas' Autobiography, as well as how this concept of time reflected and deepened their sense of life and social status deprivation. Firstly, the ignorance of slaves about their birth and age reflects the systematic erasure and social death of their identity. Douglas was unable to provide his date of birth, which was not only his personal confusion but also a common phenomenon among the entire slave population. Secondly, the chapter explores the opposition between the cyclical time view and the linear time view. Slaves' time perception is limited by their repetitive labor life, while slave owners have a linear time view linked to social progress. This difference in time perception deepens the gap between free people and slaves. In addition, slaves' experience of "free time" is also manipulated and alienated by slave owners, and their leisure and labor time are completely subject to the will of slave owners. The so-called "free time" is actually a deception and appeasement strategy used to maintain the stability of the slave system. Douglas revealed through his own experience the commercialization of slave time, which could be leased and sold, further highlighting the tragic situation of slaves as commodities. Overall, this chapter deeply exposes the harmful effects of slavery on individual souls and the deprivation of social status through the perspective of temporal narrative.

The marker of time points to the marker of life

In depth exploration of Douglas' use of time narrative in "Douglas' Autobiography" and its impact on personal life processes. Douglas felt a deep sense of deprivation due to not knowing his birth and age, which became the driving force for his inner exploration. As he gradually became able to read and write, Douglas began to develop a complete sense of time and was able to tell his stories with more precise dates. Reading not only deepened his understanding of slavery, but also helped him master time cognition and expression.

conclusion

It emphasizes the importance of time narrative in Douglas' Autobiography, revealing the deprivation and discipline of slaves in terms of time consciousness, as well as the impact of this deprivation on their self-awareness, worldview, and historical perspective. Douglas overcame the obstacles set by the slave owner through his efforts and gradually regained his complete sense of time. The marking of time helped him free himself from the state of physical and mental enslavement, participate in social life, gain identity recognition, and ultimately achieve true freedom.