Knowledge is freedom - narrative of the life of fredrick d.

Throughout the narrative it is shown that slaveholders and overseers complete slavery by depriving the slaves of knowledge. Douglass writes, “I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing it” (Douglass 15). Keeping information away from slaves strips them of their individuality. During the time period of which the narrative

Douglass graphically illustrates the cruelties inflicted upon slaves by slave owners. In the beginning of the book he emphasizes the emotions he felt when he witnessed his aunt being punished by Mr. Plummer, their master. “It was a most terrible spectacle” Douglass writes, “I wish I could commit to paper the feelings with which it beheld” (Douglass 18). Many occurrences identical to this are written in full detail to inform readers of the severe conditions slaves faced.

In order for the slaves to pursue freedom they must gain knowledge and education. By depriving the slaves of this quality the owners are able to keep the men and women longer. During Douglass’ stay with the Auld family he was taught how to read and write. He also learned that education is what “ruins” slaves because Hugh Auld forbids his wife to educate Douglass. An education helps the slaves gain knowledge of the injustice of slavery and proves to them that they are human beings rather than slaves. “Words provide access to the power of communication, and the route to long-term control of the message is through literacy” (Morgan 76) writes Professor Winifred Morgan of Edgewood College. Douglass is able to free himself through his own self-education and begins work on the freedom of all slaves. Once slaves are educated they come to hate their masters and cannot escape without facing great danger.

During the narrative, Douglass shows the disagreement between the fact that slaves are human beings and the fact that the slave owners treat them as property. Despite where the sla

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