Introduction
“Learning to Read and Write” was first published in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself (1845). In this essay, Douglass argues for his strong character, which was in part formed by becoming literate. The attributes include determination, intellect, persuasion, and resilience, which enhanced his acquisition of education and freedom from slavery. This essay explores the attributes to show their importance in achieving one’s dreams, which can be applied in the modern day.
Frederick Douglass’ Traits Which Led Him to Freedom
Intellect
From the beginning of the narrative, Douglass shows his intellect, which helps him weave his way out of slavery. He demonstrates intelligence and perception in understanding his surroundings, which aids in discovering new ideas. When his master comments on educating an enslaved person, Douglas states that the remark made him understand “the pathway from slavery to freedom” (Douglass, 1).
He uses his intellect to think about the remark. He realizes that the white man is afraid of educating a slave because education would give them power, which could outwit the slavery system. The revelation makes Douglass realize the importance of education, creating his determination to learn and empower himself to escape slavery. Thus, he starts his journey to becoming literate, which leads to his freedom.
Determination
Despite his challenges as an enslaved person, Douglas has a strong sense of determination in everything he does. Although slaves were forbidden to get an education, he was determined to learn using every method. When his mistress stops teaching him, Douglass states he adopted another plan: “that of making friends of all the little white boys whom I met in the street,” converting them into his tutors (Douglass, 3).
His determination is seen in learning from white children he befriended, which is against all odds. He is determined to learn at whatever cost, even if it means risking his and the white children’s lives since teaching a slave was forbidden. Therefore, his desperation to gain an education makes him determined to learn using every method to gain power and freedom.
Persuasion
With the determination to learn, Douglass used his persuasive communication skills to persuade others to share their knowledge about reading and writing. Douglass uses persuasion to learn how to write after obtaining reading skills. When he met a boy with writing knowledge, he would “tell him I could write as well as he” (Douglass, 6). The comment would stir the other boys into a writing challenge, enabling Douglas to acquire writing skills in letters, words, and sentences. Thus, Douglass acquired education through his persuasive means of using intelligence, which led to his final escape to freedom.
Resilience
Finally, Douglass shows resilience throughout the narrative, which gives him the strength to overcome numerous obstacles. When he acquires knowledge, he suffers terribly when he learns about his situation as a slave. He states, “I often found myself regretting my own existence and wishing myself dead,” when he understands the meaning of slavery (Douglass, 5).
The thought made him sad and bothered about the slavery system, which kept people captive and treated like animals. Nevertheless, the hope of being free someday kept him going to learn more and obtain freedom. Therefore, he finds the strength to persevere through every situation and risk severe consequences to gain knowledge toward freedom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Douglass possessed significant attributes which helped him in his quest for freedom. His intellect enabled him to think critically and find a path to freedom: obtaining an education. Through determination coupled with persuasiveness, Douglass found resourceful ways to learn how to read and write, which enhanced his journey to freedom. Ultimately, Douglass’ resilience gave him strength, enabling him to persevere through the test of time and negative thoughts threatening his existence. Overall, Douglass teaches valuable lessons on the importance of education and the attributes of achieving one’s dreams, which can be applied in today’s world.
Work Cited
Douglass, Frederick. Learning to Read and Write”: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave in His Own Words. pp. 1-6. (1845). Web.