Concepts From “The Autobiography of Davy Crockett”, Essay Example

Gutenberg.org provides a free reading of Davy Crockett’s autobiography, allowing a vast number of people to learn about the legendary figure from his own point of view. The Tennessee native is famous for his work in congress, service during the Texas Revolution, death at the Alamo, and having the thoroughly impressive though unofficial title “King of the Wild Frontier”. Many of the tales about Crockett have been embellished over time through artistic interpretations like songs and plays, making the availability of a text written by the man himself an invaluable tool in studying the life of this American folk hero.

One of the most interesting aspects of Crockett’s writing is the concern he displays about the way he is judged by others. He notes that a primary reason for his writing of the autobiography is to offer an alternative account of his life that is more accurate than the picture painted by the notes of others. Of course, it is unlikely that Crockett’s personal perspective was as precise as he would have liked to believe, but it certainly does provide historical information of both events and his character. The author even defended any criticisms that may have arisen in response to his writing skills before anyone even had the chance to offer input, and prior to the reader being able to form an opinion, as the pleas were made in the preface. It appears that Davy Crockett was so worried about being negatively judged that he attempted to pre-empt such responses whenever possible.

It is understandable that Crockett was concerned with his image, as the man had established the reputation of being broadly skilled. His autobiography depicts the methods by which he obtained many of his noted abilities, especially those that contributed to his status as the ultimate frontiersman. As could be expected, many of Crockett’s practical talents arose out of the need to survive. However, the threat may have been greater in perception than reality, as he ran away from home to avoid the issue of choosing punishment at the hands of his father or the wrath of school bullies. Between the ages of 13 and 16, Crockett developed superb woodsman skills as he roamed from town to town throughout the state of Tennessee. Following these trials/adventures, the young man returned home to help his family settle various debts. He was clearly influenced by his family in many ways, so it seems strange that he would disappear so completely for so long. This could be attributed to his young age, but it was surely necessary for Crockett to develop the skills for which he became famous.

A third compelling aspect of this autobiography is the depiction of Crockett’s rather reluctant venture into politics. The time he spent as a politician is perhaps the most obscured period of his life, and is certainly less publicized than his exploits as a frontiersman and soldier. According to Crockett’s autobiography, he was actually tricked into a political career. After declining the suggestion as it was made by military acquaintances, Crockett found that he had been fraudulently registered as a candidate. Not wanting to give the pranksters the satisfaction of besting him, he began campaigning furiously, and the rest is history as they say. This is certainly one of the most interesting stories within the autobiography.

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http://archive.org/stream/narrativeoflifeo00croc#page/6/mode/2up