The first transatlantic flight
The symbolic flight across the Atlantic ocean is an indication of globalization. Globalization is a normal, everyday part of life, but it hasn't always been that way. Our ability to be connected to the world market and with the world's exchange of ideas and stories is rather recent in the big picture. It's important to remember the way technology united us—for better or worse.
Frederick Douglass as an allegory
Instead of reading Frederick Douglass's story as a stand-alone character, consider the implications of reading Douglass's story moralistically. Because Douglass spoke about suffering and injustice, another community on the other side of the planet was influenced, because they also understood suffering and injustice, and the abolitionist movement in America was inspiring to them. In other words, by speaking the truth, perhaps we can offer solace to communities in the world where suffering and oppression are happening.
The motif of Irish oppression
People without much knowledge about Ireland's rough history might hear that they liked Frederick Douglass and say, "Really? That seems random." But really, it's not. Notice that Irish communities appear in the novel as a motif. The common thread? That human suffering is universal, and every nation faces its challenges. Nevertheless we can unite through our global ideas and learn from each other's histories.
The allegory of abolition
There was a time in American history when white men and women enslaved black men and women and used them for labor and entertainment. That's no joke. It really happened. But by focusing on the abolitionist movement, the stories point toward the right answer—every human is created equal. Therefore Frederick Douglass's non-violent movement is a meaningful allegory for what to do in situations where injustice is taking place.
The transatlantic motif
One interesting question the reader might ask would be what exactly the title of the story means. Transatlantic is probably a reference to the first transatlantic flight which is discussed in the story, but actually, there's a motif. When Frederick Douglass's ideas drifted across the pond to Ireland, there's another transatlantic idea. It happens throughout the story. Basically, the motif is an attempt to show the reader how intimately connected America still is to its European ancestors, and how the UK in particular plays a major role in connecting America to Europe.
