Precis 1 Frederick Douglass: Learning to Read and Write

In Chapter seven of his narrative, Frederick Douglass depicts the struggles he encountered learning to read and write. As a slave, he had to resort to learning the skills without any proper instruction. His mistress had first begun instructing him, but soon put an end to his instruction when she realized the knowledge to read and write would hinder his usefulness as a proper slave. Douglass persevered through the challenges and hurdles he approached by finding innovative means of learning. Challenging young white school boys into proving he was better at writing than they were was one way he managed to acquire a lesson.

As his ability to read increased further, Douglass was starting to see how bad of a position he was in as a slave. He now knew enough of the world around him to become discounted with his situation. He decided on taking the advice of some men on the docks to run away, but felt that he first must learn to properly write as well in case the need came up in his travels. Open to any form of a teacher, Douglass found his way to write by spending time in the ship-yard. After continuous practice, and a never failing attitude, Frederick Douglass learned to write as well.

In his narrative, Douglass mentions that he “[felt] learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing”.  Knowledge and understanding comes with a price, no matter what type of situation or social standing you are in life. In some cases life can be dealt with easier when one is oblivious to their surroundings; however things can change dramatically once they are able to comprehend what is going on, as was the case of Frederick Douglass. Reading Douglass’s experience in accomplishing to read and write as a slave was very inspiring. I feel that stories of perseverance and achievement even in the most difficult times are something that needs to be continually passed on to others.

Today where almost all children are given the chance to learn to read and write, we almost take the skills for granted. Frederick Douglass however, saw the importance and the freedom that came with the ability to read. Learning to read and write provided Douglass with a glint of power. From there, it was a matter of waiting that he would be able to rise from his position as a slave to what we know him now today. Today, many children are not influenced enough to understand how empowering their education can be. It is easier to blame our children about the drop-out rates, and the behaviors that goes on; however I feel that we need to find a better way to instill the need/want to learn on to the children to make a better difference.