The Heroic Slave

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of physical abuse, death, and racism. 

“The State of Virginia is famous in American annals for the multitudinous array of her statesmen and heroes.”

This is the opening line of “The Heroic Slave,” which establishes the setting of most of the novel. Douglass notes that Virginia is known for producing people who fought against British rule in the American Revolution. He connects Madison to these heroes from the 1700s to argue that Madison’s actions are just and right.

“A child might play in his arms, or dance on his shoulders.”

In addition to being a moral person, Madison is gentle and kind. This quote develops his characterization by illustrating how he would handle children, including his own, with care and concern. The art of dance connects to other the arts referenced in the story, such as drawing and photography; it is a human pursuit that Black and white people share and a way to immortalize a moment.

“Madison (for that was the name of our hero).”

Madison’s name is revealed after Listwell and the reader hear his lamentations and prayers. Douglass’s use of the inclusive pronoun “our” is a way to appeal to the readers and persuade them to become abolitionists. Madison becomes a hero not only in the story but also to the reader.