In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, the theme of freedom is central to Douglass's story. Douglass portrays freedom not only as the physical act of escaping slavery but as a broader concept encompassing education, self-awareness, and the pursuit of human rights. Through his journey from enslavement to liberation, Douglass illustrates how literacy and knowledge empower individuals to recognize and challenge their oppression, ultimately leading to personal and collective emancipation.

Douglass connects education to freedom by describing literacy as the "pathway from slavery to freedom." He learns early on that an educated slave becomes unmanageable, as overheard from Mr. Auld, who insists that literacy "spoils" a slave. This realization drives Douglass to pursue reading and writing, recognizing that education will enable him to challenge his enslavement. His pursuit of knowledge opens his mind to the true nature of slavery and motivates him to seek freedom.

In Chapter 7, Douglass describes how reading allows him to recognize the injustice of slavery. He is particularly moved by The Columbian Orator, which contains anti-slavery essays. Douglass recalls, "I read them over and over again with unabated interest. They gave tongue to interesting thoughts of my own soul." This exposure to critical thinking about slavery fuels his desire for freedom and his ability to articulate arguments against the institution.

Douglass's literacy is directly responsible for his desire for freedom. He enlists the help of Baltimore's children to learn to read, and through books like The Columbian Orator, he encounters "a bold denunciation of slavery, and a powerful vindication of human rights." This knowledge makes him restless and unwilling to accept his condition as a slave, as he notes, "Freedom now appeared, to disappear no more forever."

For Douglass, freedom means more than personal liberation; it encompasses the broader fight for human rights. He believes in the values of freedom, equality, and self-government, as outlined in the United States Declaration of Independence. Douglass's work advocates for racial equality and the abolition of slavery, emphasizing that everyone deserves access to education and human rights, regardless of skin color. His narrative highlights the dehumanizing nature of slavery and the importance of overcoming ignorance to achieve true freedom.