Frederick Douglass and learning to read

I think that one of the most important aspects of Douglass’s narrative was his description of the inner turmoil that came with learning to read. He explains that with the ability to read he was able to fully understand the injustices and cruelty of slavery. This awakening leads him to recognize the hopelessness of his condition, and to even regret that he had learned to read at all. In explaining his state of mind, Douglass says, “I would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing. It had given me a view of my wretched condition, without remedy...in moments of agony, I envied my fellow–slaves for their stupidity” (413). This quote is important in understanding Douglass’s motivation in the pursuit of his own freedom. In becoming educated, Douglass was introduced to arguments and objections to the institution of slavery that had not occurred him as an uneducated slave. With a greater understanding of his own plight, Douglass fully realized the dehumanizing effects of slavery. The fact that he began to envy the illiterate slaves shows just how hopeless his situation must have appeared to him. I think it is out this realization that Douglass developed his drive for freedom. He knew that after learning to read he would never look at slavery as he had before, and became determined to free himself and his mind from the cruelties of slavery.