# How does Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life develop the theme of Moral Hypocrisy?

> Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson

## 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

- [vi-a-responsible-journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/vi-a-responsible-journey.md): 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.
- [viii-return-to-maryland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/viii-return-to-maryland.md): Isaac Riley's friendly facade and subsequent betrayal exemplify the moral hypocrisy of slaveholders who profess kindness while perpetuating cruelty.
- [xi-providential-deliverance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xi-providential-deliverance.md): Amos Riley shows kindness only when dependent on Josiah, yet returns to treating him as property once recovered.
- [xx-visit-to-england](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xx-visit-to-england.md): The slander against Henson, motivated by petty jealousies and sectarian feelings, contrasts with the professed Christian and abolitionist values of his accusers.
- [xxii-visits-to-the-ragged-schools](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xxii-visits-to-the-ragged-schools.md): 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.

## Links

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