Final answer:
Frederick Douglass, as a self-made man, rose from slavery to a leading abolitionist through his mastery of literacy, which he highlighted in his autobiography. His narrative showcases his convictions and quest for freedom, using literacy as a powerful tool to advance the abolitionist cause and prove the human potential for self-transformation regardless of beginnings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Frederick Douglass embodies the mythology of the "self-made man" through his transformation from a slave to a prominent abolitionist and intellectual. He "made" himself by seizing every opportunity to learn and become literate, which was a significant act of self-empowerment under slavery.
His narrative, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave Written by Himself, demonstrates the power of literacy, as he used it to articulate his experiences and expose the brutal truths of slavery. His tone, command of language, and thoughtful commentary in the narrative reflect his intelligence and dedication to the abolitionist cause.
Douglass learned to read against immense odds, accepting lessons from white children and exchanging food for knowledge. This act of learning was a catalyst to his emancipation, both mentally and physically, as it enabled him to understand the injustice of his situation and to eventually forge a path to freedom. His autobiography is not only his personal literacy narrative but also a powerful tool that contributed to the abolitionist movement, rousing both national and international support against slavery.