As John Blassingame writes in the Introduction to the 2001 Yale edition of the work, "the Narrative served several extraliterary purposesit promoted [Douglass's] lecturesreferences to the Narrative became stock rhetorical devices in Douglass's speeches." Slaves had their basic human rights taken away from them because slave owners wanted them to lack the ability to form an opinion on what was happening to them. Douglass describes how Mrs. Auld, the master's wife, taught him to read, write, and learn in his "Narrative." His mistress always got mad anytime she saw him reading. More books than SparkNotes. Summary of article "Learning to Read and Write" by Frederick Douglass Born as a slave in the pre-Civil War south, Douglass was not expected to be literate. What lessons did Frederick Douglass learn? From there, Douglass would read anything he could get his hands on. What is the "white gaze" and why does Morrison have to eliminate it from her Frederick Douglass & The Power of Literacy LEO His master was a shrewd person, and he realized that Frederic would be able to read news and question why he is a slave if he became literate. Douglass then escaped to the North which changed his life forever. They both use their unique experiences in the difference facets of slavery to show a very complete picture of the problems and atrocities of slavery. They want rain without thunder and lightning. Until her husband found out that she was teaching him, then she suddenly stopped and was angry at Douglass, when he was reading. Surely, the boy was quick on the uptake, because he learned alphabet after one day. 7 November. His experience had taught him: Without a struggle, there can be no progress.. He cannot escape until he has learned to read, write, and think for himself about what slavery really is. Personally, I feel Frederick Douglass was, still is, an influential man, on the account of, his commitment to learn despite the danger these actions entailed. Douglass believed that the greatness of the master could not be transferred to the slaves (Douglass 3). Learning to Read and Write by Frederick Douglass I lived in Master Hugh's family about seven years. Three years earlier, Homer Plessy challenged Louisianas law that required all railway companies [to] provide equal but separate accommodations for the white, and colored races, leading to the landmark 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision upholding racial segregation. Well occasionally send you promo and account related email. Helps you learn new things. 75 Readings: An anthology. Frederick Douglasss, Learning to Read and Write explains his struggle and success in learning how to read and write as a slave at the age of twelve. Dont waste Your Time Searching For a Sample, Frederick Douglass And His Path Towards Learning To Read And Write, Rhetorical Analysis of Frederick Douglasss Learning To Read and Write Skill, Learning to Read and Write: Frederick Douglasss Journey to Freedom, Rhetorical Analysis of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass, An Analysis of the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, by Frederick Douglass, Frederick Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, Summary of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Mother Tongue and Learning to Read and Write: Compare and Contrast, The Narrative life of Frederick Douglass. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. An education often opens new doors for people, but how does a lack of an education affect other people? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X were great revolutionary leaders. Because of this, he successfully creates a contrast between what the slave owners think of and treat the slaves and how they are. His new masters wife had never had a slave before and taught Douglass the alphabet before the master found out and told his wife that such an activity was illegal. We would do well to acknowledge his daring escape from slavery, powerful oratory, leadership on civil and womens rights. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. 100 Reasons Why Reading is Important. By reading, you are exposed to so many wonderful things. When people read, they are transported to different worlds and allowed to explore new ideas. "Learning to Read and Write by Frederick Douglass: Analysis." Although he dealt with difficult obstacles he ended up becoming a free slave, because he was well educated. Our experts can deliver a Learning to Read and Write by Frederick Douglass: Analysis essay. He learned to read and write, escaped to New York, and became a leader in the abolitionist movement. What heroic ideals does Douglass represent? The intended audience would have been anyone. He also published an abolitionist newspaper for 16 yearssupported the Underground Railroad by which enslaved people escaped northbecamethe first African American to receive a vote for President of the United States during roll call at the 1888 Republican National Conventionand even was known to play Americas national anthem on the violin. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. They marveled at the development of his interior character, praising his path from slave to man. He never spent money in vain, he bought books. After that conflict and the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862, he continued to push for equality and human rights until his death in 1895. Douglass learning how to read and write caused him to deal with his readings emotionally and mentally. The autobiography as a literary genre was very popular as well, especially as the reading of novels was frowned upon during this time. When Auld forbade his wife to offer more lessons, Douglass continued to learn from white children and others in the neighborhood. To avoid this fate, Douglass traveled to England, where he remained for two years until a group of supporters there successfully negotiated payment for his freedom. Richard Rodriguez And Frederick Douglass Comparison Essay As for learning to write, he often times observed ship carpenters and replicated the copy-books of his Masters son. How Reading 'Ruined' Frederick Douglass as a Slave Covey mercilessly beat and abused the teenager until one day Douglass decided to fight back, knocking Covey to the ground. During this time, I succeeded in learning to read and write. To maintain order and control over slaves, slavery demands ignorant slaves; thus, keeping slaves ignorant prevents slaves from recognizing the empowering value of education and educations ability to liberate slaves from the effects of ignorance. Douglass recalls Mr. Hugh explaining to his wife that studying books was not suitable for slaves and, With all the knowledge he was gaining, he began to comprehend everything around him. Plus, you can print the list out and keep it on hand in case anyone asks you why it is important to read. What heroic ideals does Douglass represent? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Fredrick Douglass is a hero because in the 1800s he was a former slave who became one of the great American anti- slavery leaders, and was a supporter of womens rights. Why does Douglass say that learning to read was a curse rather than a blessing? Reading gives Douglass access to a new world that opens before him, but the strongest effect of his literacy is the light it casts on the world he already knows. Frederick Douglass is famous for writing "Learning to Read". Why was Frederick Douglass such an effective leader? Learning how to read was important to Douglass life because he started to figure out how to read newspapers and books when he was left alone. Douglass believes that education is the key to freedom for slavers. He continued on to New York and ultimately, New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he settled, a free man. Learning to read and write enlightened his mind to the injustice of slavery; it kindled in his heart longings for liberty. Summary of article "Learning to Read and Write" by Frederick Douglass. The level of education of the slaves on the plantation allow them to be manipulated by their masters. Frederick Douglass was an escaped slave who became a prominent activist, author and public speaker. In these words we perceive despair and bitterness lying deep at heart of the boy. She stopped teaching Douglass how to read and would monitor his whereabouts in her home to ensure that he was not reading anything. Professor Brandson did an amazing job! The book gained international acclaim, confounding critics who argued that such fluid writing and penetrating thought could not be the product of a Black mind. As he observed: Some know the value of education by having it. This experience of unenlightened victim makes him strive for freedom, and educating himself Douglass became an empowered and determined man. Education makes the difference; it expands the human mind since the more we know the more enlightened we are. And he accepted all these gifts and used them. He escaped from slavery in a disguise. His anguish is so great that he would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing (p. 84). Because of Douglasss determination, he succeeded in learning and becoming one of the most influential writers of his time. A form of EOF student stated For Douglass, gaining knowledge was more of a curse than a blessing because, as a slave, education made him aware that he had absolutely no alternatives to his condition. I disagree because education is important, he could help other slaves, and he could break off from the black stereotype.