Fredrick Douglass is a prime example of why it was so dangerous to educate slaves. Mr. Auld said, “If you give a nigger an inch, he will take an ell” (49). Mr. Auld was referring to Mrs. Auld teaching Fredrick Douglass how to read. Mr. Auld was right in many ways; Douglass became obsessed with learning and sought out ways to further his education without being caught. Douglass would turn to children playing on the street for instruction. Using these children and other methods, Fredrick Douglass was able to teach himself how to read. Once Douglass became proficient in reading he constantly read The Columbian Orator. Douglass’ desire for freedom was sparked by this book’s “ powerful vindication of human rights” (55). This spark is equitable to the inch Mr. Auld described when he was chastising his wife. Fredrick Douglass pushed an inch when he read this book; therefore, he was ready to take a mile. His final goal would be freedom and although he would be slowed along the way, he kept pushing until he reached his goal.…show more content… His search for freedom needed to be tended to or else it would die out. At times, especially with Mr. Covey, Douglass seemed to be on the verge of loosing sight of his goal. However, Fredrick Douglass remained defiant and insubordinate to his masters. This insubordination kept Fredrick Douglass’ search for freedom alive. Fredrick Douglass was also incredibly lucky. He had the opportunity to live a semi-comfortable life in the city for several years. The fact that he had the opportunity to be educated was simply a matter of luck. Even the children who taught Douglass how to read and write could have brought upon his downfall. They could have told their parents that they were helping a black man read and write. This could have instantly halted Douglass’ education and gotten him severely punished or worse. However, Douglass managed to get through his education mostly
