Frederick Douglass, a well revered laureate and abolitionist however, he was not always like this. Douglass born a slave was not given the opportunity to learn how to read and write. With the aid and motivation of many literary sponsors Douglass was able to learn how to read and write. Douglass’s quest to literacy began with his mistress Mrs. Auld, whom thought him the A, B, Cs and how to spell 3-4 letter words. Douglass’s second sponsor came when he faced adversary. Mr. Auld had forbidden Mrs. Auld from further teaching Douglass how to read. In addressing Mrs. Auld, Mr. Auld said, “If you give a nigger an inch, he will take an ell. A nigger should know nothing but to obey his master—to do as he is told to do. Learning would spoil the best
