Learning To Read And Write By Frederick Douglass: Summary

Table of Contents

Why would slaveholders desire ignorant slaves?

Loss or Identity

Inadequacy in Literacy

Consequences Knowledge

In conclusion

Works cited

Why would slaveholders desire ignorant slaves?

Frederick Douglass was born a slave in 1818 and decided early on to be a free man. He decided to learn to read and create because he believed knowledge and education would make his life better. For slave owners to continue a system that included slavery, the best way was to rely on illiteracy as well as a lack thereof. Douglass was thus able to learn for himself. Douglass’ illustrated account of American slavery is The Narrative Of Frederick Douglass. This powerful narrative reveals the fact that slaves are a primary tool of slavery owners to keep control. Douglass expertly guides the reader through the horrific and inhumane system of black abuse. Douglass shares his American experiences and the terrible imagery that he experienced to help others see the suffering of slaves. The Narrative of Frederick Douglass describes how ignorance is an ingrained method of controlling the American slave.

Loss or Identity

Slave knew nothing about dates and time. Slaves did not have the ability to grasp the basic facts of the real world, such as the year they were born. This made it difficult for them to celebrate their birthdays. It ultimately led to a stolen name. Douglass was a slave born and didn’t know his age. Douglass was born at Tuckahoe in Maryland. He could not determine the exact time. He says he was baptized in 1817. Later, the date was changed to 1818. The slave didn’t even know their birthday. The slave was made to feel like a property, as their owner considered them. Douglass begins his Narrative with a statement that he doesn’t remember ever having met a slave who could tell his birthday. He then goes on to state that very few slaves have any basic information about who or whereabouts they came from. Common rights are viewed as a privilege not granted by slave owners. Douglass adds that the masters wish to keep slaves ignorant is what Douglass says. It is slaveowners who whip and beat slaves to stop them from dreaming of basic human rights. A slave is taught to believe that intelligence makes them more unhappy. Douglass also spoke of the profound effect his inability to know himself has on his treatment. Douglass explained to us how the slaveowner refused to answer questions about the slave’s origin. This would have them labelled as trouble-makers and make them subject to inhumane treatment. They could even be made into slaves. Slave owners would continue to deny their desire to know basic information about themselves. This knowledge is available to all humans, but slaveowners use it as another way to keep slaves happy. Slaveowners are able to make a profit off the slaves’ labor by using ignorance as a tool of oppression. A lack of literacyDouglass refers also to the inability of slaves to read or write. He tells of how he was able to resist slavery because he wanted to learn how to write and read. That was the slaveowners’ greatest fear. Fear was that if slaves learn to read and write, they will feel less like slaves and more like white men and not fit for the role of slave. Slavery would be realized by the slave and he would resist his masters’ attempts at enslaving him. Douglass stated that he was led to hate and detest his enslavers the more he read. Douglass shares that his ability to read and compose helped him to see the world in a different way. He saw everything through the eyes and perspective of a man free from slavery. He felt compelled to envy the slave who was illiterate because he had gained so much knowledge.

Sophia Auld, Captain Auld’s widow, taught Douglass reading. She would become as ruthless and ruthless than her husband. Douglass told his story about how he used it to his advantage after being forbidden from reading.

Sophia Auld seemed more angry when she saw me holding a newspaper. She thought she saw the danger. Douglass’s intelligence eventually intimidates Sophia. He fears that he will stop believing in his oppressors lies and start to think like a man. Both the slaveowners and slaves are at risk from ignorance. Slaveowners could be financially devastated by the possibility of losing their labor. Slavery can lead to death for those who profit from their ignorance.

Knowledge has its consequences

Sophia is the reason there’s no stopping Sophia from pursuing new knowledge and all the challenges it brings. “The first step was taken,” as stated. Douglass was determined to erase his ignorance. He realizes that he’s been given a gift. This knowledge isn’t available to all slaves. Douglass uses his newfound ability to read/write to help others, no matter what the consequences. Douglass keeps improving his literacy. He is more aware of the obstacles that he faces in getting it. After witnessing his teacher turning against him because he had learned what she had told him in secret, Douglass now realizes that knowledge can be seen as a transfer or power. Douglass does not know what Douglass will do next. He doesn’t even know what to expect. His illiteracy is clearly a tool that slaveowners use to keep their slaves ignorant and unaware of the wider world. Douglass realized that slaveowners had a fear of giving their slaves cause to rebel. Douglass’s harsh reality is that he can no longer bear the idea of being a slave. He was transformed by his knowledge and would most likely have died as a slave without it. Douglass then shares details about these consequences in a moving account of Douglass’ escape from slavery, and his confrontations with Mr. Covey. Douglass was able to read and to write, so he was sent to Baltimore to live with Mr. Covey. Slave owners are known for forcing stubborn slaves to submit. Douglass considers it the darkest part of his life. He says that “nearly a week passed without him whipping” me. My back was always hurting. Douglass confronts Covey. While not completely broken, he did as his mother instructed. Douglass realized who and took a stand to defend himself. Infringing on the oppression and deprivation that afflict any human being, Douglass fought back. “It rekindled some of the last embers, and gave me a sense and a drive to be free.” The confrontation with Mr. Freedom was achieved by Covey. His freedom was made possible by his inability to stay ignorant. Douglass tells his own story using his knowledge and pursuit of freedom. At

In conclusion,

Slavery continues to be a problem for many Black people. The slaves were taught that being a slave meant suffering inhumane treatment. Many African Americans today live in fear of racism. Their inability to participate fully in society. They only have the opportunity to work as white workers. This is why slaveholders would like ignorant slaves. To take the slave’s culture, heritage, self-esteem, and heritage. It would make the slave dependent on the oppressor if the laws against education were strategically placed. A slave that is aware of his identity and can read and write for himself is not considered to be a slave. A human-chattel considers ignorance a high virtue. As the master works to keep the slave ignorant, it is possible for the slave to fool the master into believing he is successful. Douglass used Knowledge to get his freedom.