Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Why doesn't Thomas Auld give Frederick what he wants?

Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave

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Which chapter are you referring to? 

Chapter 11

In 1838 Douglass was becoming restless, wondering why he needed to keep giving the contents of his purse to his master. He believed he should try and hire himself out in order to save more money for his escape. When Master Thomas came to town, Douglass inquired if he would hire Douglass out, but the man refused, calling it a "stratagem by which to escape" and encouraged Douglass to remain content with his situation.

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http://www.gradesaver.com/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave-written-by-himself/study-guide/summary-chapter-xi-and-appendix

Because slave owners keep their slaves ignorant of their birth dates.