An Argument Against Slavery
One of the most prominent themes in the Narrative is the oppressive impact of institutionalized racism manifesting as slavery in the southern United States. Throughout his narrative, Douglass provides compelling examples of how slaves are subjected to both mental and physical brutality by the slaveholding system. His account offers numerous instances that collectively serve as a strong condemnation of the dehumanizing effects of slavery. These include the physical mistreatment of women, such as the abuse of Douglass' Aunt Hester, and the separation of families. Douglass highlights that slavery is detrimental not only to the enslaved but also to the slaveholders. His most striking example of the harmful effects of slavery on slaveholders is Sophia Auld. Initially kind to Douglass, Auld's character deteriorates after she becomes a slave owner. As Douglass observes, ''The fatal poison of irresponsible power was already in her hands, and soon commenced its infernal work.''

False versus True Christianity
Another recurring theme in the Narrative is the moral conflict of being a Christian in the South while condoning the immorality of slavery. Douglass cleverly contrasts two forms of Christianity, as noted by scholars Keith Miller and Ruth Ellen Kocher in ‘‘Shattering Kidnapper's Heavenly Union: Interargumentation in Douglass's Oratory'': ‘‘He constantly pits True Christianity, which he explicitly embraces, against the False Christianity of racism and slavery.’’ This theme is evident in the portrayals of cruel masters who, despite beating their slaves nearly to death, appear devout by regularly attending church, donating to charities, and becoming ministers. The appendix exposes how Southern Christianity is inextricably linked to slavery. By juxtaposing images of slavery with religious devotion, Douglass demonstrates that the two are inseparable. ''The slave auctioneer's bell and the church-going bell chime in with each other, and the bitter cries of the heart-broken slave are drowned in the religious shouts of his pious master.''

The Importance of Literacy to the Concept of Freedom
As a young boy, Douglass learns the alphabet from his mistress, Sophia Auld. When her husband forbids her from continuing, Douglass finds alternative ways to further his education by engaging with white people. Literacy helps Douglass envision freedom as an achievable goal. For instance, his purchase of The Columbian Orator, a collection of political speeches by ancient orators and Enlightenment thinkers, introduces him to the art of public speaking. He later uses this skill as an abolitionist advocate. Reading such works makes him question why he is denied the rights granted to his white master. ''The reading of these documents enabled me to utter my thoughts, and to meet the arguments brought forward to sustain slavery....’’ Douglass' education deepens his understanding of the injustices faced by himself and all slaves, fueling his desire for freedom. His education instills a restlessness that cannot be quelled by physical beatings or hard labor. Ultimately, his education propels him to escape slavery.

Achieving Selfhood
In many respects, the Narrative is a coming-of-age story that chronicles Douglass' journey to freedom and the development of his sense of self. One of the most impactful lines in the Narrative appears in chapter ten, just before the confrontation between Douglass and Mr. Covey. Douglass explicitly addresses the connection between slavery and the denial of manhood when he states, ''You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man.’’ Since slavery involved stripping men and women of their full selfhood, many slaves were unable to see themselves as fully human. Douglass' narrative demonstrates that gaining control over one's life through freedom is essential to achieving selfhood, or, in Douglass' case, manhood.