Question

What finally convinces mrs. li to allow lingsi to learn to read?

Answer 1

The idea that learning to read would lead to empowerment and an eventual path to freedom is what compels the narrator to seek education despite obstacles.

Step-by-step explanation:

In "The Difficult Path," what finally convinces Mrs. Li to allow Lingsi to learn to read is not explicitly stated in the provided text excerpts. However, it can be inferred that Mrs. Auld's initial kindness in teaching the narrator to read and the subsequent banning of this instruction by Mr. Auld ultimately served to fuel the narrator's determination to learn. The narrator realizes the power and freedom that literacy could provide, especially upon hearing Mr. Auld's strong opposition, saying that teaching a slave to read would make them 'unmanageable, and of no value to his master.' This fear of the consequences of educating a slave reveals the potential empowerment that knowledge could afford.

The complete question is:

In "The Difficult Path" what finally convinces Mrs. li to allow Lingsi to learn to read?

Answer 2

Mrs. Auld's decision to allow Frederick Douglass to learn to read is influenced by her husband's strong opposition to the idea. Mr. Auld's explanation about the dangers of educating slaves inadvertently inspires Douglass with the resolve to learn, underscoring the importance and transformative power of literacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The narrative implies that what finally convinces Mrs. Auld (referred to as Mrs. Li in the student's question) to allow Lingsi (an indirect reference to Frederick Douglass) to learn to read is not a direct act of persuasion or a singular event. Instead, Mrs. Auld initially begins teaching Douglass out of kindness before her husband's strong opposition influences her to stop. However, Mr. Auld's vehement argument against teaching a slave to read ends up inspiring Douglass with a strong desire to learn.

His master's explanation of how education can ruin a slave by making him unmanageable and aware of his oppressive situation reveals to Douglass the pathway from slavery to freedom, thus reinforcing his resolve to learn to read at all costs.

Mrs. Auld's eventual compliance seems to be the result of observing her husband's fear of an educated slave, demonstrating to Douglass the transformative power of literacy. It is this understanding of the significance of literacy and the master's deep-seated fear that ultimately solidifies Douglass's determination, rather than anything Mrs. Auld actively does to encourage his continued learning.