Frederick Douglass #2

Frederick Douglass was a man who accomplished great things, even though he lived in an environment where he could easily have his life and dreams taken away at any point. He was extremely persistent to say the least. From reading the narrative, it seems as though Frederick Douglass would not give up for anyone. He gave it his all until he had no more. Sure Douglass wanted to be free and probably always had, but one day this dream got a just a little closer to reality. He became aware of one very necessary skill that would lead to success and a better future came, and it came when he least expected it. His mistress, Mrs. Auld, began to teach him the alphabet, and then went on to teach him words. This was the first time that Frederick had been taught the alphabet. When Mr. Auld found out that Mrs. Auld was teaching Frederick the alphabet he was not happy but enraged. Mr. Auld said, "It would forever unfit him to be a slave. He would at once become unmanageable, and of no value to his master." (Douglass 937). Mr. Auld said this about Frederick learning the alphabet, because he knew what the power of knowledge could do to him. Mr. Auld even went on to say, "It would make him discontented and unhappy." (Douglass 937). Mr. Auld was right when he say that Frederick would be discontented and unhappy. It could be said the this discontent that Frederick had lead him to keep trying to find a better life. Frederick seemed to be consumed with the thought of freedom, which is evident when he said, "I saw nothing without seeing it, I heard nothing without hearing it, and felt nothing without feeling it." (Douglass 941). The thought of freedom was driving Frederick insane clearly. Though the thought of freedom almost drove him crazy, Frederick later reached his goal.