Learning How to Read and Write by Frederick Douglass Analysis Essay Example

In the narrative, “Learning How to Read and Write”, Frederick Douglass explains how he took advantage of every opportunity to learn how to read and write believing it was the key to freedom from living a life as a slave in the early 1800s. In the beginning, Mistress Hugh gave Douglass alphabet lessons. Then, in exchange for bread and food, Douglass spent time learning lessons from a group of little white boys. Finally, when working at Durgin and Bailey’s Shipyard Douglass started to learn and practice writing letters. The narrative describes how Douglass overcame obstacles to gain the skills to read and write which gave him a new perspective of what freedom from living as a slave boy could be like.

First, for seven years Douglass begins to learn the alphabet from mistress Hughs. Mistress Hughs in the beginning viewed Douglass as a human rather than a slave when educating him about the alphabet. But while teaching Douglass mistress Hughs was influenced by her husband to become more violent and hostile towards her slaves. In result, Douglass was watched and stopped receiving lessons from mistress Hughs but in the end, completed his goal of learning the alphabet. “The first step had been taken. Mistress, in teaching me the alphabet, had given me the inch, and no precaution could prevent me from taking ell” (Douglass, 1818-1895, para 3). Overall, learning the alphabet was Douglass’s first step to freedom.

Next, Douglass spends time learning from little white boys in exchange for food. For example, anytime Douglass was sent out for an errand he would try to fit time in for a lesson in which he would bring a book to read. Also, Douglass met up with many little white boys on the street at different times and days to get as much knowledge as possible. In addition, Douglass felt like he would never have freedom like the little white boys in which they expressed sympathy and encouragement for Douglas. Overall, having the help of other children Douglass was able to learn more about reading. 

Then, when employed at Durgin and Bailey’s Shipyard Douglass practices learning more about letters. For instance, Douglass would have a piece of timber in hand to practice writing the name of the ship. Also, Douglass used a trick in which he would ask other boys to write out letters and words in a form of a game. To add, with the use of master Thomas’s copy book Douglass practiced more of his writing skills. In brief, Douglass used many resources and strategies to achieve the ability to write and read.

In conclusion, this narrative will show how Douglas reached his goal to gain the skills to read and write as a slave boy which would open his eyes to what the meaning of freedom is. First off, Douglass learns the alphabet from the mistress of the house. Then, he receives lessons from three poor white boys in exchange for food. Overall, Douglass learns to write while working at Durgin and Bailey’s Shipyard. Summing up, Fredrick Douglass paved the way for people to receive an education, moreover until this day his story is told all around giving people a glimpse into his life and what he had to go through to receive his freedom and education.