-
QUESTION
Frederick Douglass
(from the book unique world of ideas )
Three main topics
_ descriptions
_ explanations
__ examples
_ thoughtful writing
__ Quotes
__ Introductory phrases with appositives before you quote
_ In-text citations
]
| Subject | Literature | Pages | 3 | Style | APA |
|---|
Answer
Learning to Read and Write – Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass’s phenomenal piece Narratives of the Life of Frederick Douglass offers unique stories of an African American slave in a challenging pursuit for freedom. The author’s narration on how he learnt to read and write in a period where his enlightenment was frowned upon by the society is quite appealing. It suffices to argue that this piece conveys valuable lessons regarding freedom, determination, and oppression during the pro-slavery era. Each of these themes are vital in creating vivid descriptions of what African Americans experienced under their oppressors.
Freedom is a key theme in the highlighted chapter of Douglass’s book, and it is depicted as a universal right inasmuch as skin color assumed a defining role in all matters pertaining to freedom. Since the author’s skin was black, he was doomed to live as a slave for life. This fate was so tragic that paupers in the streets felt pity for him. This factor is established in the reactions he received from his little friends in Philpot Street: “… they would express for me, the liveliest sympathy, and console me with the hope that something would occur by which I might be free (Douglass 2).” When placed into perspective, the sympathetic nature of the preceding quote acknowledges freedom as a standard of living for all humanity, so it influenced Douglass’ journey as an abolitionist.
Determination is another fundamental concept in this book, and it is fairly demonstrated in Douglass’s character. Even though the circumstances attempted to discourage him from pursuing knowledge, he utilized every opportunity he had to learn a few things about reading and writing. His commendable relentlessness is made clear when he states that “Mistress, in teaching me the alphabet, had given me the inch, and no precaution could prevent me from taking the ell (Douglass 1).” In this sense, the pursuit for freedom was a journey that demanded a lot of determination from slaves in all relevant contexts.
Despite the obvious need for universal freedom, and the slaves’ determination in pursuit of the same, they would often suffer cruelty in the hands of their owners. The author discusses numerous instances in which slaves were oppressed either physically or mentally. The first scenario is seen when his grandmother is abandoned to die in solitude after serving the owners diligently. On the other hand, his owners’ negative attitudes towards his enlightenment was akin to psychological oppression, which Douglass describes as “… shutting me up in mental darkness.” Both kinds of oppression were used by slaveholders to prevent the slaves from gaining strength to overcome their wickedness.
After a brief exploration of Douglass’ Learning to Read and Write, it is apparent that he shares valuable insights on freedom, oppression, and determination, and how they manifested in his journey as a slave prior to the black emancipation. This piece also serves as a guide for people seeking to overcome the grip of oppression in their lives since it discusses crucial information on the state of slavery.
.
References
-
Douglass, Frederick. Learning to Read and Write. In Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Boston, MA: Anti-Slavery Office. 1845.