My Bondage And My Freedom Frederick Douglass Analysis

Critics have long examined literacy’s impact and effects in Frederick Douglass’ autobiographies, often through the lens of the prevailing “strong-text” theory. Among other assumptions, this view presumes that literacy results in the loss of one’s true identity, culture, and preliterate social group. However, Daniel Royer argues that a firm sense of identity and social context are prerequisites for literacy and are furthered upon learning to read and write. Continuing to disagree with the strong-text theory, Royer notes his belief that literacy does not make a new person from an old one, but rather recreates and strengthens the awareness already existing within oneself. In his analysis of Douglass’ autobiographies, Royer challenges the standard …show more content…
Early in his life, Douglass questioned the institution of slavery and realized that this social practice to which he was abject was wrong. In My Bondage and My Freedom, Douglass tells of his realization of the possibility for change. It was this comprehension of his position in social context that was a prerequisite for Douglass’ literacy. Freire notes that literacy is not memorizing words but perceiving the world more deeply. Unfortunately, Douglass’ outlook was not very common, as students at Tuskegee Institute were often only interested in learning long words and books. As another example, Douglass knew the word abolition, but not its meaning. Learning the definition of abolition as well as how to write reveals that Douglass reacted creatively to slavery for self-improvement. However, at one point, Douglass despaired of his ability to read because it showed him his grave situation without directly moving him out of that state. In spite of this, he was still resolved to escape and continued to believe in …show more content…
Royer argues that Douglass was not propelled from slavery into freedom primarily because he learned to read and write but because he already possessed key attributes such as critical thinking, an understanding of the ideologies behind slavery, and the determination to break free of his bonds. Literacy was part of Douglass’ process of self-transformation, but it did not, as proponents of strong-text theory claim, remove him from his identity or culture. In fact, instead of finding himself in his writings, Douglass already held a strong sense of being. It was largely this knowledge of his social standing in relation to the culture that allowed him to rise above his bleak