Question

In a more rational society, an ability to write would be of great help to her. but here, the only people who could read her writing would be those who might punish her for being able to write

Answer 1

Ironically in a universe of slavery and bias, literacy– commonly an apparatus for self-advancement– merits discipline when in the hands of blacks. This is nothing unexpected: literacy is a type of intensity, and the social structure is intended to keep control in the hands of whites.