Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life · Question
How does Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life develop the theme of Moral Hypocrisy?
Answer
Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson develops Moral Hypocrisy across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book exposes the hypocrisy of slaveholders who profess Christianity while committing brutal acts, and of a legal system that punishes a slave for defending his wife while protecting the overseer's violence.
Henson's internal conflict between his promise to his master and the desire for freedom highlights the moral contradictions of slavery, where obedience is praised but freedom is a sin.
Isaac Riley's friendly facade and subsequent betrayal exemplify the moral hypocrisy of slaveholders who profess kindness while perpetuating cruelty.
Amos Riley shows kindness only when dependent on Josiah, yet returns to treating him as property once recovered.
Evidence in the book
- A Responsible Journey
Henson's internal conflict between his promise to his master and the desire for freedom highlights the moral contradictions of slavery, where obedience is praised but freedom is a sin.
- Return to Maryland
Isaac Riley's friendly facade and subsequent betrayal exemplify the moral hypocrisy of slaveholders who profess kindness while perpetuating cruelty.
- XI: Providential Deliverance
Amos Riley shows kindness only when dependent on Josiah, yet returns to treating him as property once recovered.
- XX: Visit to England
The slander against Henson, motivated by petty jealousies and sectarian feelings, contrasts with the professed Christian and abolitionist values of his accusers.
- Visits to the Ragged Schools
Henson publicly contradicts a Pennsylvania speaker who falsely claimed that Sunday Schools in the US were open to all classes, exposing the exclusion of Black children.
