1. What was Frederick Douglass' theory on how to break a slave?
Frederick Douglass' theory on how to break a slave was to make him not know anything but what the master tells them.
"'He must not be able to detect no inconsistencies in slavery. The man who takes his earnings must be able to him that he has a perfect right to do so... the slave must know no higher law than his master's will.'"(Takaki 124)
3. Why wasn't Frederick Douglass allowed to read?
Frederick Douglass wasn't allowed to read because the southerners kept the slaves under control by making them feel inferior and if they learned how to read, they would feel equal and try to escape bondage.
"'To make a contented slave... you must make a thoughtless one.'"(124)
4. Why were slaves viewed as child like?
Slaves were viewed as child like because they seemed to most southerners as lazy, irresponsible, affectionate and happy, and they were tying to make them believe they were inferior.
"Regarding themselves as guardians, they claimed their slaves had to be 'governed as children.' Unable to plan for their future, slaves would not 'lay up in summer for the wants of winter' and accumulate in youth for the exigencies of age.'"(112)
