Frances Ellen Watkins Harper- Learning to Read
In this poem, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper describes her experiences as a young slave learning to read. She portrays the journey of learning to read as both empowering and transformative, as she gains knowledge and a sense of freedom through literature.
Harper emphasizes the importance of education and literacy, highlighting how learning to read helps her to escape the chains of oppression and ignorance. Through reading books and newspapers, she discovers new ideas and perspectives that broaden her horizons and open up new possibilities for her future.
The poem is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of learning for personal growth and emancipation. It is a reminder of the enduring legacy of slavery and the resilience of those who fought for their right to knowledge and freedom.