Final answer:
Literacy and reading were paramount for Frederick Douglass as they symbolized defiance against slavery, a means for understanding and claiming human rights, and a key to personal freedom. Douglass's journey to literacy was a transformative experience that allowed him to advocate not only for himself but also for the abolitionist cause, demonstrating the broad power that literacy held as both a personal and political tool.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why were literacy and reading so important to Frederick Douglass in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave? Literacy was a powerful tool for Douglass and a central theme in his autobiography. For Douglass, achieving literacy was an act of defiance against the oppressive institution of slavery, and it provided him with the means to advocate for himself and others. It was not only a symbol of intelligence and humanity but also a strategic tool to challenge the system that enslaved him. Literacy represented more than just the ability to read and write; it was essential for understanding and exercising human rights, securing personal freedom, and transcending the imposed limitations of slavery.
As revealed through the narrative, Douglass's attainment of literacy was a transformative experience that expanded his worldview and gave him a voice. Literacy narratives of enslaved people often highlight a crucial moment when the power and potential of reading and writing become evident. For Douglass, this moment came with the realization that education and slavery were incompatible, driving his tenacity to learn despite tremendous obstacles.
Literacy in Douglass's time was used both oppressively and as a form of resistance. While slaveholders like Mr. Auld used illiteracy as a means to maintain control, Douglass harnessed the power of literacy to challenge the institution of slavery. Awareness of literacy's potential to initiate change made education both a threat to slaveholders and a beacon of hope for enslaved people, ultimately allowing Douglass to rise above his circumstances and influence the society of his time.