The Ingenuity of Frederick Douglass Learning to Write Essay

In his self-titled chronicle, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, the author presents his audience with a memorable description of his resourcefulness in how he learned to write. His determination to shake off the bonds of illiteracy imposed by his slaveholders created in him the ability to conquer obstacles that held many slaves back. His mastery of the basic steps of the written language would one day play a central role in his success as a free man. The way these skills were acquired teaches us not only of his willpower, but also of his ingenuity as well. The outcome of his efforts culminated in an inimitable slave-narrative, as well as a career as one of the most famous abolitionists that this country†¦show more content†¦The carpenters would mark the pieces according to location using four letters of the alphabet to indicate larboard, starboard, aft, and forward. Douglass soon learned the names of these letters (Douglass). Given the hurdles that Douglass was required to overcome, his ingenuity in self-education is more than outstanding. He writes that he was forced to resort to various stratagems in order to be successful (939). One of these methods was to challenge other boys that were literate to writing contests in which he would practice and prove his ability to write the alphabet. As a slave, he recognized that these were the writing lessons that he might not have received in any other way (942). The process of Douglasss literacy did not occur overnight or without an ample amount of resolve. He had recently learned to read with the aid of his slaveholders wife, and this inspired him to learn to write. He spent the better part of every spare moment in his seven-year bondage with the Aulds accomplishing this mission. He tells the reader that he would use old discarded writing books that belonged to his masters son in order to practice his letters (942). His position of poverty and ownership afforded him none of the advantages that were provided for white children in educational settings. Douglass had no slate, nor did he have paper, or pen and ink. His copy-book was the board fence, brick wall, orShow MoreRelatedNarrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass1764 Words   |  8 PagesNarrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave tells the story of Frederick Douglass and his journey to freedom. Throughout the narrative Douglass presents his experiences throu gh the eyes of a slave and how these experiences were the main reason for his acquired freedom. Each part of his transformation into a free, educated man always involved a set of opportunities that allowed him to ultimately be able to write this historical narrative. In the narrative, Douglass never fails to mentionRead MoreFrederick Douglass Teachings And Triumphs2401 Words   |  10 PagesLamese Khoury Professor Natalia Menendez English 1B 25W 4 February 2015 Frederick Douglass’ Teachings and Triumphs: Racism, which still thrives in areas across the United States, was an epidemic in the antebellum south. The basis of the system of slavery is that skin color determined worth. Conveniently, for America’s southern, white population, blacks were only fit to be sold and bought for unpaid service. The prejudice driven consensus among the southern white population was that a black personRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesAfrica, however, the proportion of slum dwellers continued to rise rapidly (United Nations 2003, 2). Especially in Latin America, the squatters had become more organized, more secure, and more professionalized. Investigative reporter Robert Neuwirth writes of Rio de Janeiro’s Rocinha, the largest slum in Latin America: Most current construction in Rocinha is done by wage laborers who congregate at various locations on the hill, looking to be hired by professional contractors. And, to address community-wide