Frederick Douglass And Education Essay

Over the course of the novel Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass connects the ideas of education and freedom by showing how (in the case of an enslaved human being), education can lead to a desire of freedom. If such a person is lucky and has the resources to do so, they may be able to act upon their desire for freedom, and escape the confines of slavery. In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, there are many instances of how education lead to Douglass’ desire for freedom. Just one occurred when Douglass was owned by Hugh and Sofia Auld, and Sofia began teaching him to read and write (educating him). When Hugh Auld discovered this, he became furious, and forbade Sofia to educate Douglass in any way. He did so because he believed that “Education came ruin the best slave in the world”, and that an educated slave would become discontent with his life and want freedom. Hugh Auld was correct about this, as Douglass only wanted more and more …show more content…
At this time, Douglass was working as a caulker in a shipyard. Physically, the work was very difficult and the only thing that the workers got out of their labor was their payment. However since Douglass was a slave, his master had the right to take his slave’s wages. Douglass’s master did so, but unlike most slave owners, he would periodically give Douglass a few cent of the money. Most slaves would be fine with giving their money to their master and almost giddy with joy if they were given of it. Slaves were like this because they knew no other way of living, but from reading, Douglass knew that Negros could work, get their wages, and keep all of the money for themselves. Douglass wanted this freedom, but he knew that the only way to really acquire it was to become a free man. During this event, Douglass’ education made him desire freedom since he knew of a different way to