How does Douglass’s cultural point of view as a slave from the early 1800’s shape his motivation to become literate, yet also create obstacles for him? Provide at least two examples from the text. Write at least a 100-word response.
Answers
Answered by
14
Answer:
Explanation:
Douglass desired to become literate because he was spiritually, mentally, and physically aware of how ignorance and uneducated living was forced on the slaves . He would discover in his youth that ignorance was a handicap that white master's knew could control the African American slaves. Through personal experiences and spiritual revelations Douglass was inspired. becoming educated was an obstacle for Douglass because he had been damaged mentally and physically his entire life as a slave. He also knew the consequences for a black man who sought to be educated and gain liberty of his own mind.
Answered by
8
Literacy plays an important part in helping Douglass achieve his freedom. Learning to read and write enlightened his mind to the injustice of slavery; it kindled in his heart longings for liberty. Douglass’s skills proved instrumental in his attempts of escape and afterwards in his mission as a spokesman against slavery. Douglass was motivated to learn how to read by hearing his master condemn the education of slaves. Mr. Auld declared that an education would “spoil” him and “forever unfit him to be a slave” (2054). He believed that the ability to read makes a slave “unmanageable” and “discontented” (2054). Douglass discovered that the “white man’s power to enslave the black man” (2054) was in his literacy and education. As long as the…show more content…
Reading opened his eyes to his “wretched condition” (2057) and he longed for independence and freedom. He did not desire this for himself alone, but also for his fellow slaves. He “imbue[d] their minds with thoughts of freedom” and sought to “impress them with the gross fraud and inhumanity of slavery” (2077). Douglass took the lead in devising the plans of escape; his skill in reading and writing was instrumental in his plans. While at Master Hugh’s, Douglass acquired the copy-books of his master’s son, Thomas. He taught himself to write and soon “could write a hand very similar to that of Master Thomas” (2059). This ability helped Douglass to formulate the plan of escape from Mr. Hamilton. He wrote several “protections” for himself and the other runaways under the name of Mr. Hamilton’s. Though this escape attempt was unsuccessful, it is a testimony to the Douglass’ genius which would not have existed without his education. His ability to read and write planted the desire for freedom and enabled him to attempt to achieve it. The ability to read gave Douglass a place of leadership among his fellow slaves. Knowing the benefit and power of reading, Douglass began teaching the other slaves at Mr. Covey’s; he “succeeded in creating in them a strong desire to learn how to read” (2075).
Reading opened his eyes to his “wretched condition” (2057) and he longed for independence and freedom. He did not desire this for himself alone, but also for his fellow slaves. He “imbue[d] their minds with thoughts of freedom” and sought to “impress them with the gross fraud and inhumanity of slavery” (2077). Douglass took the lead in devising the plans of escape; his skill in reading and writing was instrumental in his plans. While at Master Hugh’s, Douglass acquired the copy-books of his master’s son, Thomas. He taught himself to write and soon “could write a hand very similar to that of Master Thomas” (2059). This ability helped Douglass to formulate the plan of escape from Mr. Hamilton. He wrote several “protections” for himself and the other runaways under the name of Mr. Hamilton’s. Though this escape attempt was unsuccessful, it is a testimony to the Douglass’ genius which would not have existed without his education. His ability to read and write planted the desire for freedom and enabled him to attempt to achieve it. The ability to read gave Douglass a place of leadership among his fellow slaves. Knowing the benefit and power of reading, Douglass began teaching the other slaves at Mr. Covey’s; he “succeeded in creating in them a strong desire to learn how to read” (2075).
Similar questions