fredrick douglass
... Literacy is an important theme in Douglass’ Narrative. ... This made Douglass more strong-minded than ever to pursue his education. This began Douglass’ course from slavery to freedom. ... Douglass’ literacy uncovered his eyes to the inequality done to slaves in general. ... Douglass wrote, “It opened my eyes to the horrible pit, but to no ladder upon which to get out” (1021). Douglass instilled the yearning to read in other slaves. ... Douglass wrote, “The work of instructing my dear fellow slaves was the sweetest engagement with which I was ever blessed” (1040).