In Baltimore Frederick’s new mistress Ms. Auld begins to tech Douglas the alphabet and small words. Mr. Auld, disapproves, reminding his wife of the Laws against slave literacy that were in place to protect them from slave revolt and violence. Overhearing Mr. Auld disapproving of slave literacy Douglass realizes the importance of education and begins to teach himself all that he can. On page 55 Douglass talks about his desire to hear anything about slavery and the abolitionists and discusses his journey to learn the meaning of the word abolition. Upon figuring out its definition, Douglass is opened to a whole world of possibilities. Ignited by his new knowledge and the meaning of the Abolitionist Movement, Douglass begins his battle against slavery.
Without the outside knowledge and the ideas that come from newspapers and conventions the slaves would know nothing about the Abolitionist movement. The ability to read gives slaves power making them equal to their masters. With this new found power and new knowledge the slaves are able to unite and to put up a fight for their freedom.
Lisa A. Sisco from the University of New Hampshire wrote an article the backs up the notion of literacy being a key part in Douglass obtaining his freedom. She talks about Douglass’ use of literacy to promote his writings and speak to many audiences. He is able to learn different ways of speech and to learn which audiences to use them in front of. Douglass’ ability to read and write allow for him to Print and Edit his own Newspaper, The North Star, which enabled him to give his interpretation of the constitution and make it apparent that slaves had a right to be heard.
The ability to read allowed for Frederick Douglass to obtain the knowledge necessary to fight against his masters, and to obtain his freedom. Upon obtaining his freedom his use of literature allowed for him to take part in the Abolitionist movement and give a voice to the unheard slaves.
"Frederick Douglass -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 26 Oct. 2009.
Sisco, Lisa. "Writing in the Spaces Left":Literacy as a Process of Becoming in the Narratives of Frederick Douglass. Oct. 26 2009 Academic Search Primer Sept. 1995 Vol.9, Issue 3.
That is a very compelling arguement. Without his ability to read and write we would definatly wouldn't be anylayzing his book and his voice would have gone unheard. It is the same with most slaves, there is very little evidence left of them in terms of their experiences because they weren't allowed to learn. Frederick Douglass gives us a phsycological view of a slave which isn't seen often. Literature didn't only lead him to freedom but it also gave him a sort of imortality. He living through his work. If only all people have done the same.
ReplyDeleteI agree that literacy is important. The law that blacks were not allowed to be educated is also a form of social control. In class we discused the parent-child relationship and the ever present threat of violence from whites, however in the book Douglas mentioned how some tried to learn despite getting punished.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the blog post and the other comments. Literacy is a major stepping stone in the development of the mind. Without these essential tools I'm sure it becomes increasingly difficult to express yourself as well as understand the deeper meanings of subjects. I am glad Douglass realized the importance of this at a young age. It just goes to show how great of a mind this man had.
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