Narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass: What's Inside

Narrative of the Life of
Frederick Douglass
Study Guide by Course Hero
TENSE
What's Inside Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is told in the past
tense.
j Book Basics ................................................................................................. 1
d In Context ..................................................................................................... 1
d In Context
a Author Biography ..................................................................................... 2
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass was published in
h Characters .................................................................................................. 3 1845. Douglass had been speaking about his experiences since
1841, when he was first employed by William Lloyd Garrison as
k Plot Summary ............................................................................................. 6
an abolitionist speaker for the American Anti-Slavery Society.
c Chapter Summaries ............................................................................... 11
g Quotes ........................................................................................................ 23 Abolitionist Movement

l Symbols ..................................................................................................... 24
The abolitionist movement in the United States began to take
m Themes ....................................................................................................... 25 shape in the late eighteenth century, when activists began
lobbying to end the foreign slave trade in the United States.
e Suggested Reading .............................................................................. 26 Though this goal was accomplished in 1808, the practice of
slavery continued on American shores, particularly in the
South.
j Book Basics Beginning around the early 1830s abolitionists mobilized once
again, focusing this time on ending the practice of slavery
outright. Many Americans in the North and South viewed the
AUTHOR
abolitionists as radicals. Other groups argued for slavery to be
Frederick Douglass
ended but were willing to accept that emancipation would be a
YEAR PUBLISHED gradual process.
1845
The abolitionists wanted immediate, unconditional
GENRE emancipation and strove to appeal to the individual American's
Autobiography conscience. They employed people who worked as
missionaries to create local antislavery societies throughout
PERSPECTIVE AND NARRATOR the country. These local societies formed the American Anti-
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is told from a first- Slavery Society, which had nearly a quarter of a million
person point of view. This perspective allows Douglass to members by 1838, mostly in the Northeast. The society's
share his deep and honest emotions about his experiences activities often attracted violent responses from people hostile
with slavery. to their message.
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Study Guide Author Biography 2
By the 1840s, when Douglass became involved with the

movement, the group had splintered into various factions. The a Author Biography
faction with which Douglass associated was led by Garrison.
Frederick Douglass was born around 1818 in Talbot County,
Maryland. His given name was Frederick Augustus Washington
William Lloyd Garrison Bailey. As an infant, Frederick was separated from his mother,
who was a slave. He saw her only a handful of times before she
died when he was around seven. All he knew about his father
Garrison began publishing the abolitionist newspaper the was that he was white; he suspected that his mother's white
Liberator in 1831. The majority of the paper's readers were free master was his father.
African Americans. Garrison also wrote a book on the topic
called Thoughts on African Colonization. It inspired many Frederick lived with his maternal grandmother until he began
people to join him in calling for the immediate abolition of working in the home of the plantation owner. Early on, he
slavery. Douglass became a reader of the Liberator shortly witnessed the horrors of slavery, including brutal whippings.
after he moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts. Along with the other slaves, he was often cold and hungry.
Garrison, one of 60 delegates who founded the American Anti- Later, Frederick was sent to Baltimore to serve in the home of
Slavery Society, believed slavery was a sin that must be Hugh and Sophia Auld. Sophia taught Frederick the alphabet
abolished immediately. In the 1840s Garrison became and some simple words but stopped teaching him after her
convinced that a revolutionary change was needed in husband forbade her. However, Frederick continued to learn to
American spiritual values if emancipation was to be achieved. read and write on his own and with help from others in the
Garrison began advocating for women's rights as part of his neighborhood. This skill impacted him greatly and inspired him
demand for moral persuasion. to challenge the idea of his enslavement.
Garrison and Douglass met in 1841 at an antislavery convention After being returned to the plantation, Frederick fought back
in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Douglass was a speaker at the against a slave breaker (a person who specializes in destroying
convention, and Garrison was impressed by his speech. the wills of unruly slaves) and began orchestrating an escape
to freedom, but his plan was discovered before it could be
carried out. He was then sent back to Baltimore and the Auld's.
Douglass's Authorship Frederick eventually escaped to New York, where he married
Anne Murray, a free black woman he'd met while in Baltimore.
Douglass became a regular spokesperson for the American The couple settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and
Anti-Slavery Society. Although he impressed and moved his adopted the surname Douglass.
listeners, many people began to doubt the truthfulness of his
Douglass regularly attended abolitionist meetings and
slave background. Critics contended that Douglass was a
eventually shared his story. Other abolitionists were impressed
fraud, basing their opinion on the fact that he was so eloquent
with Douglass, and he became a regular speaker and lecturer.
and erudite. Surely, a man who had escaped slavery only a few
Douglass wrote his Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,
years earlier could not possess such skills.
an American Slave, Written by Himself (the first of his three
It is for this reason that Douglass wrote Narrative of the Life of autobiographies) around this time. It was well received,
Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. He hoped that having became a best seller, and brought Douglass publicity in the
his story in print would convince critics of his genuineness. He United States and in Britain.
included names, places, and dates that could be verified.
Douglass went on to become one of the most renowned
Douglass also emphasized the fact of his authorship by placing
African Americans of his time. He was a prolific writer and
the words "Written by Himself" prominently on the book cover.
speaker. He was the first African American to be nominated for
the vice presidency of a political party, the Equal Rights party.
He was an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln and served as
minister to Haiti. He died on February 20, 1895, in Washington,
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Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Study Guide Characters 3
DC. a few words before her husband forbids her to continue. After
this, her behavior toward Douglass changes, and she becomes
cruel.
h Characters
Hugh Auld
Frederick Douglass Hugh Auld, husband of Sophia Auld, believes in the institution
of slavery and forbids his wife from teaching Douglass how to
Douglass is the narrator of the story, and he shares his life read. Ironically, this event inspires Douglass to learn on his
story, beginning with his first memories of enslavement. At the own. Douglass eventually leaves Hugh Auld but returns to him
time of the writing of the book, Douglass is living as a free man later on. At that point, Hugh Auld has Douglass learn a trade.
in Massachusetts. The experiences Douglass discusses trace The money Douglass earns is turned over to his master. When
his growth from an uneducated child with few expectations to Douglass is beaten up at work, Hugh Auld tries to help, but the
a man who has become a powerful speaker within the authorities do nothing to pursue the case.
abolitionist movement. Douglass is intelligent, fierce, and
proud. Once Douglass acquires the ability to read, he can no
longer accept being a slave. Ultimately, he fights back against
Edward Covey, a notorious slave breaker. Douglass says the
William Freeland
event "was the turning-point in my career as a slave." It is only
Freeland rents Douglass temporarily. Douglass appreciates
a matter a time until Douglass will attempt to free himself.
that Freeland is more decent and fair than his other masters.
Though his first attempt is foiled, he won't be denied.
Freeland does not commit cruel acts and then hide behind
religion. While a slave to Freeland, Douglass begins a Sabbath
school and has nearly 40 slaves as pupils. Douglass forms
Mr. Covey strong bonds with some of them and plots to escape slavery
with a few of them. Their plan is foiled, and Freeland's mother
Mr. Covey is a poor man who rents slaves for periods of time to blames Douglass.
work fields that he also rents. He has a reputation as a slave
breaker (a person who specializes in destroying the wills of
unruly slaves), and this is how he meets Douglass. Covey is a
hard worker and is often out in the field with his slaves. He
often sneaks up on them by slithering on his belly like a snake
in order to see if they are working. Covey does this so that the
slaves won't ever feel that they can rest. He feeds his slaves
well but gives them a limited amount of time to eat. His cruel
ways nearly break Douglass, who ultimately fights back. After
their confrontation, Covey can no longer intimidate Douglass.
Sophia Auld
Sophia Auld, who lives in Baltimore, becomes the owner of
Douglass when she and her husband bring him to their home
when he is approximately eight years old. Upon first meeting
Sophia Auld, Douglass sees "a white face beaming with the
most kindly emotions." She is a decent woman who has never
owned slaves. Sophia Auld teaches Douglass the alphabet and

Character Map
Sophia Auld
Teaches Douglass;
turns evil
Spouses
Hugh Auld
Mr. Covey Slaveowner Douglass's second
Slave and pupil
Slave breaker and teacher master; hires
Hired Douglass out
slave
Slave
Slave/
breaker
Frederick Douglass Master
Escapes slavery;
becomes abolitionist
speaker and author Slave/
Slave/
Master
Master
Colonel Edward
William Freeland
First master, Slave, possible Lloyd
Firm yet flexible
possible father son Slaveholder; Douglass's
slaveholder
first master
Employer/
Captain Anthony Clerk
Clerk on Lloyd's
plantation; Douglass's
possible father
Main Character
Other Major Character
Minor Character

Full Character List Harriet Bailey

Harriet Bailey is Douglass's mother.
He sees her only a few times, and she
dies when he is around seven.
Character Description
Demby is Colonel Lloyd's slave; he is
Demby killed by Gore, who is not punished for
Douglass is born into slavery in
Frederick his crime.
Maryland before ultimately escaping
Douglass
to freedom.
Mr. Gardner is a shipbuilder who hires
Mr. Gardner
Douglass from Hugh Auld.
Mr. Covey is a notorious slave breaker
Mr. Covey who gets control of Douglass for one
year. William Lloyd Garrison is a leading
William Lloyd
abolitionist who provided a preface to
Garrison
Douglass's Narrative.
The wife of Hugh Auld, Sophia
Sophia Auld teaches Douglass the alphabet and
simple words. Rowena Rowena Hamilton is Captain Thomas
Hamilton Auld's second wife.
Hugh Auld lives in Baltimore and is
Hugh Auld
Douglass's master. Thomas Hamilton is Douglass's
Thomas
neighbor in Baltimore; he brutalizes his
Hamilton
slaves.
Freeland rents Douglass for a year.
William
Douglass considers him to be the
Freeland
most decent of his owners. Austin Gore is a cruel, serious, and
Austin Gore merciless overseer at Colonel Lloyd's
plantation.
Captain Thomas Auld becomes
Captain Douglass's master when his father-in-
Thomas Auld law dies; he is very cruel despite his Henny is a slave of Thomas Auld's;
dedication to religion. Henny she is disabled due to a childhood
accident.
Colonel Edward Lloyd is Douglass's
Colonel
master, and he punishes slaves William Hamilton is Douglass's
Edward Lloyd
harshly and unfairly. William master's father-in-law; he captures
Hamilton Douglass when he is planning to
escape.
Captain Captain Anthony is Douglass's first
Anthony master and probably his father.
Henry Harris is part of the group of
Henry Harris men with whom Douglass plans to
Andrew Andrew Anthony is the son of Captain
escape.
Anthony Anthony; he is a violent drunk.
John Harris is part of the group of

Lucretia Auld inherits Douglass after
Lucretia Auld John Harris men with whom Douglass plans to
her father passes away.
escape.
Aunt Hester is Douglass's attractive

Nathan Johnson is an abolitionist who
Aunt Hester aunt; she is whipped often by Captain Nathan
takes in Douglass and his wife when
Anthony. Johnson
they arrive in New Bedford.
Betsy Bailey is Douglass's maternal

Sandy Jenkins is a slave and a friend
Betsy Bailey grandmother; she is eventually turned
Sandy Jenkins of Douglass's who gives him a root for
out of the plantation to live alone.
good luck.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Study Guide Plot Summary 6
When Douglass is seven, he is selected to go to Baltimore and

Anna Murray is a free woman who
Anna Murray marries Douglass when he escapes to live with Hugh Auld, the brother of Captain Anthony's son-in-
New York. law, Thomas Auld. Now responsible for looking after Hugh
Auld's son, Douglass is happy to get away from the plantation
Douglass's friend and president of the and excited to see a big city like Baltimore. Later, when
American Anti-Slave Society, Wendell reviewing his past, Douglass says the move was one of the
Wendell Phillips
Phillips is an abolitionist who provided
most interesting events of his life. He credits it with allowing
a letter included in the Narrative.
him to not be "confined in the galling chains of slavery."
Charles Roberts is Douglass's uncle Sophia Auld, the wife of Hugh Auld, greets Douglass with "a
Charles
and one of the men caught planning to
Roberts white face beaming with the most kindly emotions." The
escape.
positive impression proves to be accurate, as Sophia Auld
David Ruggles assists Douglass when treats Douglass well and teaches him the alphabet and how to
David Ruggles he arrives in New York and helps him spell. Hugh Auld finds out about the lessons and orders his
get to New Bedford. wife to stop them, insisting that education makes slaves
unmanageable. Not only does this end the lessons, but Sophia
Mr. Severe is a cruel overseer at Auld begins to treat Douglass poorly. Douglass blames her
Mr. Severe Colonel Edward Lloyd's Great House
changed behavior on the evils of slavery.
Farm.
Though the lessons have ended, they inspire Douglass to learn

to read and write on his own and with the help of anyone who
k Plot Summary will offer it. His education, just as Hugh Auld predicted, impacts
Douglass greatly. After reading a book called the The
Columbian Orator, in which a master and slave debate slavery,
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass traces Douglass's
Douglass feels despair until he resolves that one day he will
life from its very beginning until the time he wrote the
escape.
autobiography. However, the main focus is on Douglass's
enslavement and the institution of slavery. After seven years, Douglass is sent back to the plantation.
Though living with the Aulds had grown difficult—largely due to
The narrative begins with Douglass's birth in Talbot County,
Hugh Auld's drinking and Sophia Auld's cruelty—Douglass
Maryland. Because he was born into slavery, his birth was not
observes, "A city slave is almost a freeman, compared with a
recorded in any official capacity, and he is unsure of the date
slave on the plantation." Douglass views Thomas Auld, his new
or even the exact year.
master at the plantation, in a particularly negative light. While
Thomas Auld claims to be a good Christian, he treats his slaves
Because his mother works all day in the fields, he sees her only
cruelly. Thomas Auld rents Douglass out to Mr. Covey, a
a handful of times, always at night. She passes away when he
notorious slave breaker (a person who specializes in
is around seven years old. Her death does not have much
destroying the wills of unruly slaves), for one year.
impact on him, as he had not been allowed to form a
relationship with her. Douglass is uncertain of the identity of his
Six months after being sent to work for Mr. Covey, Douglass is
father. He knows he is a white man and suspects that his
nearly broken. The exhaustive work and merciless whippings
master is his father.
have taken take a terrible toll on him. On one extremely hot
August day, Douglass collapses and is unable to get up. Mr.
The ugliness of slavery becomes well-known to Douglass at an
Covey whips him. Douglass decides to go to his master and
early age. His aunt is brutally whipped, and he fears he will be
complain, but his master will have none of it. On his way back
next. Douglass describes the poor conditions under which
to Mr. Covey's place, a fellow slave gives Douglass a root that
slaves live, emphasizing how they are poorly clothed and suffer
he says is good luck. Douglass accepts it, though he does not
from a lack of decent bedding. At this point, Douglass lives on
believe in its power.
the Great House Farm, which is owned by Colonel Lloyd and
run by Captain Anthony, who is Douglass's master.
Douglass fights back against Mr. Covey. He writes that the

fight "was the turning-point in my career as a slave." It revived

him, rousing in him once again "a determination to be free." Mr.
Covey never touched him again.
Soon, Douglass finds himself rented out to William Freeland,

whom he calls his best master "till I became my own master."
During his first year with Freeland, Douglass begins secretly
educating fellow slaves in a Sabbath school at a free black
man's house. During his second year working for Freeland,
Douglass hatches an escape plan with four other slaves. Just
as they are about to execute their plan, it is discovered. The
men are jailed. After some time, Douglass is sent back to
Baltimore to serve Hugh and Sophia Auld.
During his second go-round in Baltimore, Douglass learns a

trade—ship caulking. Douglass gives his earnings to Hugh Auld,
who occasionally lets Douglass keep a fraction of the earnings
for himself. This arrangement causes Douglass great
frustration. He works out a deal with Hugh Auld in which
Douglass finds his own work and pays his master a fixed
amount. Douglass is happy to have this arrangement because
"it [is] a step towards freedom." However, Douglass and Hugh
Auld eventually run into a problem. Though they resolve the
problem, it is the last straw for Douglass, who decides that he
will "make a second attempt to secure my freedom."
The book reveals very few details of Douglass's actual escape.

This is intentional; of his flight from Baltimore, Douglass writes,
"How I did so ... I must leave unexplained." This is because it
could cause others "embarrassing difficulties" and make it
harder for other slaves to escape.
Douglass's first stop as a free man is New York, where he

marries Anne—Murray, a free black woman from Baltimore.
The couple moves to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where
Douglass—born Frederick Augustus Washington
Bailey—adopts the surname he is known by today. Douglass
works in various jobs and reads an abolitionist newspaper
called the Liberator. This inspires him to speak publicly about
the cause and his experiences. Later, he gives a speech at an
antislavery convention in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Douglass
writes, "From that time until now, I have been engaged in
pleading the cause of my brethren." These speeches lead him
to write his Narrative.

Plot Diagram
Climax
7
10 Falling Action
Rising Action
6
11
5
4 12
3 Resolution
2
1
Introduction
Introduction Climax
1. Frederick Douglass is born. 9. Douglass fights back against Mr. Covey.
Rising Action Falling Action
2. Douglass's mother passes away. 10. Douglass teaches slaves to read at Sunday school.
3. Douglass witnesses the brutal whipping of Aunt Hester. 11. Douglass and four other slaves are caught trying to escape.
4. Douglass is sent to Baltimore.
5. Douglass learns how to read and write.

Resolution
6. Douglass is suicidal, thinking he's a slave for life.
12. Douglass escapes slavery and speaks out against slavery.
7. Douglass is sent back to the plantation.
8. Douglass is broken by Mr. Covey.

Timeline of Events
c. 1818
Douglass is born into slavery. His master and probable

father is Captain Anthony.
1824
Douglass's mother dies. He is not particularly moved as

he had seen her only a handful of times.
1824
Douglass is traumatized as he sees his Aunt Hester

brutally whipped. Fearing he is next, he hides.
1825
Douglass is sent to Baltimore to serve Hugh and Sophia

Auld.
1825–1832
Sophia Auld teaches Douglass the alphabet and to spell.

He later teaches himself how to write.
January–July 1833
Mr. Covey, a cruel slaveholder, whips and works

Douglass so hard he considers suicide.
August 1833
Douglass refuses to get whipped by Mr. Covey and

fights back. He vows to never get whipped again.
1834
Douglass forms a secret Sunday school where he

teaches slaves how to read.
1835
While readying to follow through on an escape plan,

Douglass and four other slaves are arrested.
1838-1841

Douglass escapes slavery, joins the abolitionists, and

speaks to audiences about slavery.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Study Guide Chapter Summaries 11
such a testimony. "I shall read your book with trembling for
c Chapter Summaries you," Phillips states.
Phillips asserts that Douglass's narrative is truthful. He believes

Douglass deserves praise for writing the book, which shows
Preface and Letter his bravery because it is "still dangerous, in Massachusetts, for
honest men to tell their names." Finally, Phillips expresses his
hope that "the tones shall reach every hut in the Carolinas."
Summary
Preceding the text of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Analysis
Douglass is a preface by William Lloyd Garrison and a letter by
Wendell Phillips. William Lloyd Garrison and Wendell Phillips, both white men,
were widely respected and prominent abolitionists. Having
In the preface, Garrison recalls his first meeting with Douglass, their endorsements would raise the status of the book and its
which occurs at an antislavery conference in Nantucket, potential for sales.
Massachusetts. A friend of Douglass's convinces him to speak.
Despite his hesitancy, Douglass's speech about his life as a There is a common theme in the preface and the letter. Both
slave greatly impresses Garrison and the rest of the audience. Garrison and Phillips vouch that Douglass wrote the book and
that it is truthful. Their testimony was important because many
Garrison approaches Douglass and asks him to "consecrate slave narratives at that time were ghostwritten—that is,
his time and talents to the promotion of the [antislavery] someone other than the named author wrote the text. While
enterprise." At first, Douglass hesitates because he feels he is these former slaves' stories could be harrowing and disturbing,
not up to the task. However, after thinking it over, Douglass their lack of authorial authenticity diminished their truthfulness
decides to give speaking a try. "Ever since that period," and ultimate effect on the reader. Therefore, the fact that
Garrison writes, "he has acted as a lecturing agent" for Douglass wrote his Narrative himself is important. It attests to
antislavery organizations. Garrison notes that Douglass has his education and eloquence and to the capability of black
been successful and persuasive. men, a point that Garrison brings up.
Garrison praises Douglass's demeanor. He adds that Douglass The need for Garrison and Phillips to vouch for the authenticity
has a "union of head and heart, which is indispensable to ... of Douglass's work is unfortunate. Douglass, despite being a
winning ... the hearts of others." Garrison is especially free man, still needed the assistance of whites to publish his
impressed with Douglass because he has endured so much as book.
a slave. "Nothing has been left undone to cripple their
intellects," says Garrison of the way slaves are treated.
Garrison confirms that the entire Narrative was written by

Chapter 1
Douglass, saying that the text "is essentially true in all its
statements." Garrison writes that while some people will not
believe what they are reading, what Douglass relates is typical Summary
of how slaves are treated. Garrison notes that a slaveholder or
overseer can do anything he wants to a slave and will not be Frederick Douglass begins the narrative by stating where he is
convicted of any crime. Garrison, like Douglass, believes from: Tuckahoe, in Talbot County, Maryland. Douglass notes
Christianity and slavery do not mix. that he does not know his age, which he says is typical of
slaves. He says he always felt that "a want of information ...
In his letter to Douglass, Wendell Phillips notes he is glad that was a source of happiness."
Douglass is telling his story and that the facts about slavery will
become well known. He is also greatly moved by Douglass's Douglass discusses the background of his mother, Harriet
account and salutes the bravery it takes to come forward with Bailey. He was separated from her when he was an infant,

which is one way that masters strip slaves of their humanity. the narrative. Douglass's Narrative is no different. Douglass
Because they met only a few times, and then only briefly, tells the reader where he is from—but that is the end of his
Douglass and his mother were unable to form a true bond. She background information. As a former slave, he has few details
dies when he is about seven years old. Hearing the news, on his own history, except for his approximate age when his
Douglass describes his emotions as "much the same I should mother died and the fact that his father is white.
have probably felt at the death of a stranger."
Chapter 1 establishes Douglass's narrative style and
Douglass says that he is not clear about the identity of his announces his purpose: to educate readers about the horrors
father; another way to dehumanize slaves is to keep them of slavery. His style of writing utilizes informal vocabulary and
uninformed about the simple facts of their lives. The only thing simple and direct language, reflecting the tastes of 19th-
Douglass knows for sure about his father is that he is white. century readers. Although he reveals sensitive and horrific
Rumor has it that his father is his first master, Captain Anthony. details about slavery, his style is straightforward, rarely
Either way, there is a law that says that the children of slave becoming emotional. Though he does not explore his own
women shall in all cases "follow the condition of the mother." emotions, he sometimes uses descriptions and images that
Douglass explains that slaves who are the children of their elicit sympathy. For instance, when he sees ships on the
masters "suffer greater hardships." The mistress usually sees Chesapeake Bay, they are beautiful to a freedman but look like
the child as a reminder of her husband's infidelities and tends "so many shrouded ghosts" to a slave. For the most part, he
to be especially hard on the child. In such cases, the master lets readers judge for themselves.
usually sells the child. Douglass notes that there are many such
children.
Slaves are born for one reason, and that is to serve their
Chapter 2
masters. Throughout his life, Douglass has two masters,
beginning with Captain Anthony, who owns a few farms and
about 30 slaves. He is especially cruel, and Douglass is often
Summary
awakened in the night by the screams of slaves being whipped
Douglass discusses Captain Anthony and his family. Captain
by Captain Anthony.
Anthony is a superintendent on a plantation owned by Colonel
Douglass relates the terrible episode of Aunt Hester. She is a Edward Lloyd, who grows tobacco, corn, and wheat. The
beautiful woman, and Captain Anthony is especially concerned wheat crop is shipped to Baltimore; slaves who man the ship
about her comings and goings. Hester apparently had an that takes the crop to Baltimore are envied by the others.
ongoing love interest and was previously warned by Captain
Colonel Lloyd has a plantation called Great House Farm and
Anthony to discontinue it. As Douglass says, "My master had
several neighboring farms. His wealth affords him the luxury of
ordered her not to go out evenings and warned her that she
hiring overseers to supervise the slaves. Mr. Severe is one, a
must never let him catch her in company with a young man
cruel man with a fitting name who is vile in temperament and
who was paying attention to her." When Hester defies him,
behavior. He dies and is replaced by the kindly Mr. Hopkins.
Captain Anthony strips her, "leaving her neck, shoulders, and
The slaves call Mr. Hopkins a good overseer.
back, entirely naked." He then ties her hands together and
attaches them to a hook before calling her names and
The amount of clothing that slaves receive is woefully
whipping her. Douglass is so scared that he hides in a closet,
inadequate. The lack of clothes is particularly notable in
fearing that his turn is next.
children. Douglass says that children under 10 are often naked.
Slaves sleep on the floor. Their bedding consists of "one

Analysis coarse blanket," and children get nothing. Despite the poor
conditions, the slaves are able to sleep because their work is
Autobiographies typically begin with the subject discussing his so exhausting. They are awakened each morning by a horn
or her background. This initial information usually provides a that summons them to the field.
solid foundation and springboard for the details that follow in

Slaves want to be sent on errands to the Great House Farm, as Douglass says that during the summer, "Scarcely a day passed
they consider it a demonstration of the overseer's confidence ... but that some slave had to take the lash for stealing fruit." To
in them. As they travel through the woods to the farm, they prevent the slaves from stealing the fruit, the Colonel puts tar
sing loudly. The songs often, if not always, contain impromptu on the fence that surrounds the garden; slaves found to have
lyrics that are deeply moving. Douglass writes, "They would tar on their bodies are whipped. The stealing stops.
make the dense old woods for miles around reverberate with
their wild songs, revealing at once the highest joy and the The Colonel also keeps horses who are "of the finest form and
deepest sadness." noblest blood." The two slaves who manage the stable face a
daunting task, as there is nothing that the Colonel is more
Douglass says he did not understand the songs when he was a particular about than the management of his horses. If the
child, but as an adult, the songs "deepen my hatred of slavery, slaves do not meet the Colonel's unreasonable demands, they
and quicken my sympathies for my brethren in bonds." face severe punishment. When the Colonel expresses
Douglass notes that people sometimes mistake the songs as dissatisfaction to his slaves, "The slave must answer never a
evidence that slaves are content. The truth is, the songs help word." Instead, the slave must "stand, listen, and tremble."
to drown out the slaves' sorrows.
Douglass notes the great wealth of the Colonel. Included in his
wealth are more than 1,000 slaves, many of whom he does not
Analysis know and who do not know him. One time the Colonel meets a
slave who tells him he is owned by Colonel Lloyd. The Colonel
While Douglass is kept in the dark about certain key details does not share his identity and asks the slave how he is
about his own background, he is quite clear on the background treated. The slave says not well. A few weeks later, the slave is
of his master, Captain Anthony, who works for someone else. sold "for having found fault with his master."
There is also a hierarchy in the slaves' world. Those who are at Spies are sometimes sent to ask slaves about the masters. If
the Great House Farm are elevated because they are at a the slaves say anything, it is usually something positive,
more comfortable place. Certain jobs, such as working on the "especially when speaking to an untried man." Besides fear,
sloop, and certain tasks, like going on errands to the Great another reason for this behavior, Douglass explains, is that the
House Farm, are desirable. The slaves' desire for these prized slaves "seemed to think that the greatness of their masters
jobs and errands is a reminder of how little power and how few was transferable to themselves."
choices they have.
One of Douglass's goals in his Narrative is to explain the Analysis

intricacies of slavery. Slaves have few outlets for their
emotions, as they are kept busy with work. Music, especially This chapter is filled with examples of irony, which the author
singing, is an outlet for their aching souls. Douglass says this is leaves to his readers to recognize.
something Northerners do not understand. Douglass is calling
for those in the North to hear the cries of his chained brethren. The garden is maintained by slaves, and so keeping the
delicious fruit away from the slaves is doubly cruel. The
gardens bring delight to those who visit, but its main purpose,
Chapter 3 feeding people, does not help the slaves.
The great care that the horses receive stands in stark contrast
to how the master cares for his slaves. The horses' every need
Summary is considered. The needs of the slave are never recognized.
Colonel Lloyd's inhumane priorities are an example of the ways
Colonel Lloyd has a beautiful garden on the plantation. People in which slavery dehumanizes the slaveholder as much as it
come to the plantation from all over to visit the garden. The does the slaves. Douglass provides many such examples
garden abounds "in fruits of almost every description." For the throughout the narrative.
slaves, who are poorly fed, the fruit is a great temptation.

Despite their horrific treatment, slaves feel pride. With no been made to pay a price, the other slaves would have copied
outlets available to utilize their own gifts and skills, the slaves his example. Ultimately, Mr. Gore asserts, the slaves would be
look to their owners as a way of expressing pride. For example, freed and the whites enslaved. This explanation is satisfactory
slaves might take pride in the fairness or wealth of a master. to Colonel Lloyd, and Mr. Gore gains respect as an overseer.
Douglass notes that it is deemed a disgrace to be a poor man's
slave. Douglass notes that in Talbot County, Maryland, murdering
slaves and black people "is not treated as a crime, either by the
The slaveholders want their slaves to be content. If slaves courts or the community." Douglass shares stories of other
express discontent, they can be sold. Slaveholders go to great slaves being murdered and their murderers suffering no
lengths to rid themselves of dissenting slaves, including spying punishment. A man named Thomas Lanman gruesomely
on them. The slaves, however, lie about their condition out of murders two slaves, knocking one's brains out with a hatchet
fear. These lies eventually convince them that their situation is and joking about it later. The wife of Mr. Giles Hick commits the
better than that of slaves owned by someone else. In this way, murder of a teenaged female slave and is not even charged.
slaves police one another, just as the master polices them. Mr. Beal Bondly murders an elderly slave in plain sight of other
eyewitnesses and the case is "hushed."
In this chapter, Douglass, as protagonist, is mostly absent.
Instead, he simply provides factual information, and his lack of Douglass concludes by pointing out a saying among white
commentary gives the stories power. The stories are windows children: "It was worth a half-cent to kill a 'nigger,' and a half-
into the cruelty and horrific conditions that slaves suffer, and cent to bury one."
they provide a convincing argument for supporting the
abolitionist movement.
Analysis
Chapter 4 Douglass makes the point that even children in the South know
that a slave's life has no value. This indoctrination reveals the
attitude toward slaves that was prevalent in the South. Under
this perverted system, a murderer like Mr. Gore is admired for
Summary keeping the slaves in line and doing his job.
Kind Mr. Hopkins is released by Colonel Lloyd, and Mr. Gore The cruelest overseers and masters live in a state of paranoia
takes over as the overseer at the Great House Farm. Douglass that they use to justify their heinous actions—they claim they
says he possesses "all those traits of character indispensable are simply protecting themselves. This fear serves to enable
to what is called a first-rate overseer." According to Douglass, overseers such as Mr. Gore. Their cruelty toward slaves is
"Mr. Gore was proud, ambitious, and persevering. He was regarded as preserving the way of life of in the South.
artful, cruel, and obdurate. He was just the man for such a
place, and it was just the place for such a man." Gore tortures As in Chapter 3, Douglass makes his case by relating stories.
slaves for the smallest of reasons. "To be accused [by Gore] "Whilst I am detailing bloody deeds which took place during my
was to be convicted, and to be convicted was to be punished." stay on Colonel Lloyd's plantation, I will briefly narrate another,"
Gore insists that there is no talking back. He is always serious he tells readers. His passionate anger is evident in his choice
and displays "inflexible firmness and stone-like coolness." of words and the specificity of his details. Mr. Gore's "presence
was painful; his eye flashed confusion; and seldom was his
Douglass provides this example: Demby, a slave, is whipped so sharp, shrill voice heard, without producing horror and
harshly by Mr. Gore that he runs into a creek to ease his pain trembling." His "savage barbarity" is equalled only by his
and refuses to come out. Mr. Gore warns Demby that he must "consummate coolness."
come out by the time he counts to three. When Demby does
not respond after the third call, Mr. Gore shoots and kills him.
Later on, Colonel Lloyd asks Mr. Gore why he killed Demby. Mr.
Gore explains that Demby was "setting a dangerous example
to the other slaves." Mr. Gore claims that if Demby had not

Chapter 5 Analysis
In Chapter 5, the focus returns to Douglass and his personal
story.
Summary
Though Douglass and most other children his age do not face
Douglass describes his own treatment while on Colonel Lloyd's whippings, they still live a hard life. As Douglass says, "He that
plantation and notes it is similar to the way other slave children ate fastest got most; he that was strongest secured the best
are treated. Though he is not old enough to work in the field, place."
he is assigned chores. His leisure time is spent helping Master
Daniel Lloyd find birds after he shoots them. The relationship Douglass uses a powerful image from his present life to
has some benefits to Douglass, as his master sometimes describe the frostbite he suffered as a child, writing that his
shares food with him. feet are still so cracked "that the pen with which I am writing
might be laid in the gashes." With this vivid, disturbing detail,
Overall, Douglass says he suffers"little from anything else than readers are reminded that their eloquent narrator is the same
hunger and cold." He notes that the children receive food in the man who was put through the degradation of slavery.
same manner as does a pig, eating out of a trough without any
utensils. He wears only a knee-length shirt in "hottest summer The move to Baltimore is a significant turning point for
and coldest winter." To deal with the cold, Douglass sleeps Douglass. Of all the children who might have been sent to live
headfirst in a bag, which he stole. His feet stick out, which with the Aulds, he was the "first, last and only choice." Yet he
causes them to crack from the frost. takes no credit for his selection, attributing it to the hand of
God.
When Douglass is seven or eight, Captain Anthony sends him
to Baltimore to live with Hugh Auld, the brother of Captain
Anthony's son-in-law. Douglass is ecstatic about leaving the
plantation. He feels no connection or sense of home there. He
Chapter 6
is especially excited to go to Baltimore after his cousin Tom
describes how impressive and beautiful the city is. Before
leaving, his mistress insists he clean himself thoroughly.
Summary
Douglass states he did this deed in earnest, for it was the first
Douglass's initial assessment of Sophia Auld's character
time he ever "worked with the hope of reward." Afterward, his
proves to be accurate. He is full of praise for her: "I was utterly
mistress gives him his first pair of pants.
astonished at her goodness." One way this goodness
While sailing to Baltimore, there is a brief stop in Annapolis, the manifests itself is through Sophia's willingness to teach
state capital. Douglass thinks it "a wonderful place for its size." Douglass the alphabet and simple spelling.
Douglass is brought to Baltimore. Of his arrival, he writes, "Mr.
The teaching sessions come to an end when Hugh Auld,
and Mrs. Auld were both at home and met me at the door with
Sophia Auld's husband, learns about them. He forbids his wife
their little son Thomas, to take care of whom I had been given."
to teach Douglass and notes that doing so is unlawful. His
He is shocked to see his new mistress, Sophia Auld, greet him
greater concern is that teaching a slave to read "would spoil
with a "face beaming with the most kindly emotions."
the best nigger in the world." Hugh Auld also believes that
When looking back, Douglass says the move to Baltimore was education will make the slave unmanageable and cause him or
"one of the most interesting events of my life." If Douglass had her to feel "discontented and unhappy."
not moved to Baltimore, he believes he may never have
Hugh Auld's words affect Douglass greatly. Douglass says that
escaped from slavery. Looking back, he views the move as "of
they "only served to inspire me with a desire and determination
divine Providence in my favor." He says that from his earliest
to learn." Learning how to read becomes a mission for
recollection, he believed that he would not always be in
Douglass. He believes it is the pathway to freedom.
slavery's "foul embrace," a belief he attributes to God.

Sophia Auld heeds her husband's warning, and her demeanor woman whose "heart became stone." When Sophia Auld sees
toward Douglass changes. Douglass is the first slave Sophia Douglass reading, she rushes at him "with a face made all up of
Auld owns, and she has been uncomfortable with the fury." Slavery, Douglass says in a familiar refrain, has proven
formalities between slave and slaveholder. As time passes, "as injurious to her as it did to me."
however, Sophia changes: "That cheerful eye, under the
influence of slavery, soon became red with rage." Yet Douglass perseveres, educating himself by making friends
with as many little white boys as he can. He takes bread from
Douglass notices a difference between the treatment of a the Auld home—where it is always available, and he is welcome
slave in the city as compared to the country. Compared to the to eat it—and trades it with the poor white children in the
country, "A city slave is almost a freeman." City slaves are neighborhood in exchange for "the bread of knowledge." Many
generally better fed and clothed. According to Douglass, those of these children pity Douglass for being doomed to slavery for
in the city possess "a vestige of decency, a sense of shame" life. He feels tremendous gratitude and affection toward them.
that those in the country do not feel. However, there are some
exceptions, including neighbors in Baltimore who treat their Douglass regularly reads a book titled The Columbian Orator.
slaves terribly. He focuses on a conversation between a master and a slave as

the two debate slavery. The debate convinces the master to
free his slave. Douglass learns from the book "the power of
Analysis truth over the conscience of even a slaveholder." This inspires
him and helps him clarify his thoughts and arguments about
Sophia Auld exemplifies one of Douglass's key points: slavery slavery. It also causes him to hate the enslavers. When
dehumanizes both the slave and the slaveholder. She Douglass contemplates spending his whole life as a slave, he
transforms from a decent person who sees Douglass as a feels suicidal. At this point, he fears learning to read was a
young boy in need of an education to a woman filled with rage. curse, as it has shown him how terrible his condition is but
provided "no ladder upon which to get out." He envies illiterate
The speech that Hugh Auld gives to his wife about the evils of slaves for not being able to comprehend the helplessness of
teaching slaves to read is precisely what inspires Douglass to their situation. It is during this time that Douglass first learns of
learn to read. The speech is a key point in Douglass's life and the abolitionists.
development, and he realizes it instantly. Thomas Auld is
correct, as learning how to read helps Douglass realize that he While at a shipyard, he speaks with two Irish sailors who learn
must have something better in his life. The key to escaping he is a slave and encourage him to run away. Douglass is
slavery is education. reluctant to trust them. Yet the idea of escape stays with
Douglass, and he becomes determined to do so one day.
Readers can envision the bizarre standards by which city
slaveholders judge one another. The slaveholders in the city Douglass continues going to the shipyard and sees carpenters
feel some "sense of shame," though not enough to give up the writing single letters on cargo. Douglass learns these letters.
practice altogether. Instead, they are less cruel, and most give He comes up with ways to learn how to write. He tricks boys
their slaves enough to eat. For those Baltimore slave owners into teaching him how to write the letters and practices with
who do mistreat their slaves, there is no punishment. Thomas Auld's schoolbooks whenever he is alone in the house.
Chapter 7 Analysis
Readers see Douglass's boldness, determination, and
cleverness in this chapter. His description of tricking other
Summary children into teaching him how to write is worthy of Tom
Sawyer, the Mark Twain character who fools other children
During Douglass's seven years with Hugh and Sophia Auld, he
into doing his work. The children's kindness to Douglass and
learns to read and write. This happens despite Sophia Auld's
his deep affection for them show readers how much Douglass
vigilance. She has gone from a "tender-hearted woman" to a

values his education and illustrate the fact that attitudes Douglass, fortunately, "fell to the portion of Mrs. Lucretia." This
toward slavery are learned. makes Douglass happy because he is immediately sent back to
Baltimore. Very soon after Douglass returns to Baltimore,
Hugh Auld has predicted that education will make Douglass Andrew and Lucretia die, leaving all the property to Lucretia's
discontented and unhappy, as acquiring knowledge without husband, Thomas Auld, and his daughter. None of the slaves
being able to use it is frustrating. This idea comes to fruition as are set free. The treatment of Douglass's grandmother is
Douglass describes his despair and even contemplates suicide. especially revolting to him. After serving loyally for many years,
Previously, Douglass simply did as he was instructed, just as a she sees her family divided. Her new masters cast her out of
slave is taught. While he certainly had emotions and thoughts, the plantation, building her a hut where she can support herself
he had trouble expressing them. Reading enables him to gain "in perfect loneliness; thus virtually turning her out to die!"
exposure to those who are against slavery. He learns about
abolitionists and the history of slavery. He wants the right to Thomas Auld remarries and has a misunderstanding with Hugh
think and act as a free man, and reading brings that world Auld, prompting Thomas to take Douglass away as a way of
closer—and yet it is still so far away. punishing his brother. "Master Thomas said he would never let
me return again," Douglass writes. "The barrier betwixt himself
A slave's life is isolating. While in the city, Douglass can move and brother he considered impassable." Douglass is not happy
about more freely. He finds time to go to the shipyards and about the separation, but it is not as painful as his previous
gets to go on errands. He is among many people, some of departure, as Hugh has become a drunkard and Sophia has
whom are black and free. Yet in many ways, Douglass is still in become increasingly cruel.
the chains of slavery. While at the shipyards, the Irishmen
suggest that Douglass run away. Though he hears the idea and While sailing back, Douglass does not try to run away but does
it stays with him, he does not respond to it, because he doesn't note the direction the boats take to go to Philadelphia. He
trust the men. Again, readers are reminded that a slave can decides that he will run away at the first "favorable
trust no one. opportunity."
Chapter 8 Analysis
Douglass makes two references to how slaveholders increase
their wealth in this chapter. The "indelicate inspection" refers
Summary to the inspection of the slaves' genitals to make sure they can
produce children. His grandmother is described as "the source
Chapter 8 moves backward in time, focusing on Douglass at
of all [the old master's] wealth, for she has borne twelve
age 10 or 11. His old master, Captain Anthony, has died and left
children, who in turn have had children and grandchildren." This
no will, meaning that his property has to be valued so that it
monstrous system is capped by the decision to send the
can be divided between his two children, Andrew and Lucretia.
grandmother off to die alone. "Will not a righteous God visit for
As a slave, Douglass is part of that property, and so he is sent
these things?" Douglass asks.
back to the plantation to be valued. Douglass is sad about
leaving Baltimore, as he is well aware that he is treated better Because it breaks the linear chronology of the narrative, this
there than he will be on the plantation. chapter is somewhat awkward. In Chapter 7, Douglass tells
about his seven-year stay in Baltimore, relating how he came
"We were all ranked together ... with horses, sheep, and swine,"
to learn to read and write and dream of escape. In Chapter 8,
Douglass relates. Describing the "indelicate inspection," he
he moves back in time, describing his brief return to the
says he "saw more clearly than ever the brutalizing effects of
plantation and focusing primarily on the slaves who are valued,
slavery upon both slave and slaveholder." After the valuation
treated, and exchanged like livestock.
comes the division between the two new owners, with the
slaves given no more voice in the decision "than the brutes Why does Douglass do this? The organization of the book is
among whom we were ranked." Making the anticipation worse, tied to theme, not chronology. While Douglass is telling his
Andrew is known to be a cruel, common drunk.

story, the book's greater purpose is to show the horrors of man who has a reputation for breaking slaves.
slavery and why it should be abolished.
Analysis
Chapter 9
In previous chapters, Douglass introduces characters who are
cruel despite their ties to Christianity. Thomas Auld embodies
the hypocrisy of the religious slaveholder. Auld prays regularly,
Summary is esteemed by his community, and hosts preachers, yet he is a
terribly cruel man with no redeeming qualities. "After his
Douglass is now permanently back on the plantation after
conversion," Douglass writes, "he found religious sanction and
more than seven years in Baltimore. The biggest challenge is
support for his slaveholding cruelty." The use of religion to
the lack of food. While not feeding slaves sufficiently "is
justify inhumane behavior was an issue in Douglass's time and
regarded as the most aggravated development of meanness
can resonate with a modern audience.
even among slaveholders," there are plenty who do not abide
by the code. The new master, Thomas Auld, is one such Douglass does not believe religion is synonymous with cruelty.
slaveholder, and Douglass and the other slaves, which include There are multiple examples in this chapter of preachers who
his sister and aunt, are forced to beg or steal for food. are kind and decent. Mr. Cookman, in particular, advocates for
the slaves and contributes toward the emancipation of several.
Douglass finds nothing redeeming about Thomas Auld and his
Figures such as Mr. Cookman recognize the tenets of religion
wife. They are "destitute of every element of character
and act in a divinely inspired manner, in sharp contrast to
commanding respect," and the trait that Thomas Auld most
Thomas Auld.
consistently exhibits is meanness. As a new slaveholder,
Thomas Auld does not know how to deal with slaves, and his Thomas Auld has become a slaveholder later in life. Because of
inconsistency causes contempt "even by slaves." He is this late start, he is unclear about how a person should
considered a weak man with no presence. After Thomas Auld properly manage slaves. Douglass notes that this is common:
attends a Methodist camp meeting, Douglass hopes his master "Adopted slaveholders are the worst." Thomas Auld's
will become more humane or even emancipate the slaves. uncertainty and attempts to imitate a born slaveholder are
Instead, Thomas Auld becomes crueler, as "he found religious noticed by the slaves, and they do not show him the respect he
sanction and support for his slaveholding cruelty." craves.
Outwardly, Thomas Auld acts piously. He prays regularly and Mr. Covey embodies the character of an evil slaveholder. Due
often has preachers at his home. A few of the preachers act to his reputation as a slave breaker, he is able to acquire cheap
kindly toward the slaves, particularly Mr. Cookman, who has labor. Slaves come to him with fear, and slaveholders respect
successfully encouraged one slaveholder to emancipate his him. Douglass shows that Mr. Covey and Thomas Auld, like all
slaves. slaveholders, are part of an evil system that forces them into
roles whether they are comfortable with them or not.
Douglass details some of Thomas Auld's cruel doings. Henny, a
slave who fell into a fire as a child and is nearly helpless,
suffers terrible treatment and severe whippings. Thomas Auld
finally emancipates her and tells her "to take care of herself," Chapter 10
which she cannot do. Douglass says bleakly, "She was to
master a bill of expense."
Summary
Douglass frequently clashes with Thomas Auld and is severely
whipped. At one point, Douglass lets Thomas Auld's horse run Douglass arrives at Mr. Covey's on January 1, 1833, to work as
away because it gives him a reason to visit his master's father- a field hand. Within a week, Mr. Covey whips him severely. He
in-law, who feeds his slaves sufficiently. As a result of their continues to do so regularly for the next six months.
differences, Thomas Auld sends Douglass to Mr. Covey, a poor Ostensibly, the reason for the whippings is Douglass's

struggles to do field work. He relates an episode when Mr. the woods, walks to his master's store, and asks him to
Covey sends him to the forest to retrieve a load of wood and intercede with Mr. Covey. Thomas Auld hesitates but
transport it using unbroken oxen. Mr. Covey briefly explains eventually orders Douglass back to Mr. Covey.
how to drive oxen, but Douglass is nearly killed by the animals
and takes too long to complete the task. Mr. Covey orders Douglass heads back to Mr. Covey's place on Saturday
Douglass to return to the woods with him. Mr. Covey morning. When he arrives, Mr. Covey runs toward him with the
repeatedly orders Douglass to strip, but Douglass refuses. intention of whipping him again. Douglass escapes into the
Finally, Covey makes a rush toward Douglass "with the cornfield. Later, while in the woods, Douglass sees an
fierceness of a tiger," tearing off his clothes and lashing him. acquaintance, Sandy Jenkins, who is a slave but is married to a
free woman. While spending the day with Sandy, Douglass tells
Mr. Covey works the slaves hard. He has the slaves in the field him about his situation. Sandy gives Douglass advice and
from sunrise to sunset and often works by their sides—except insists that he carry a certain root on his right side. Douglass
in the afternoons, which he spends in bed. In the evenings, Mr. says that carrying the root is supposed to "render it impossible
Covey returns to the fields and harasses the slaves with his for Mr. Covey, or any other white man, to whip me." Douglass is
words and his whip. He has a sadistic manner of operating and reluctant to take the root but ultimately does so to please
is nicknamed "the snake." Even when Mr. Covey is not in the Sandy.
fields, his slaves cannot rest, because they know he will
occasionally surprise them. He slithers through the fields on his Douglass returns to Mr. Covey on Sunday morning. Mr. Covey
belly so as not to be detected, until he comes upon the slaves greets him kindly, as he is on his way to church, which causes
and gets up and screams out, "Ha, ha! Come, come! Dash on, Douglass to reconsider the power of the root. Things change
dash on!" on Monday morning. While working with the horses, Mr. Covey
ropes Douglass's legs and pulls him down. Mr. Covey thinks he
Mr. Covey's deceitful ways extend to his religious life. "He has Douglass, but Douglass has another idea: "At this
seemed to think himself equal to deceiving the Almighty," moment—from whence came the spirit I don't know—I resolved
Douglass says with a rare flash of humor. Mr. Covey ultimately to fight." Mr. Covey is surprised at Douglass's reaction. The
deceives himself into believing that he is sincere in his worship fight drags on, and though Douglass is probably the winner, Mr.
of God. Douglass highlights the extent of Mr. Covey's Covey does not acknowledge this.
hypocrisy by relating the story of how he once compelled a
female slave to have sex repeatedly with a married man. Mr. Douglass describes the battle as "the turning-point in my
Covey forced the woman to do this so she would become career as a slave." For the next six months, Mr. Covey does not
pregnant, thus providing him with more slaves. touch him, and Douglass regains his confidence and sense of
manhood.
Douglass sees the time spent with Mr. Covey as the most
difficult of his life. The work is relentless and leaves him Slaves have the week off between Christmas and New Year's
exhausted. Within a few months, Douglass says, "I was broken Day. The slave masters encourage their slaves to get drunk.
in body, soul, and spirit." Douglass spends his Sundays, which Douglass believes that this is yet another strategy to keep the
are his only leisure time, lying under a large tree in an slaves bound, its purpose being "to disgust [the] slaves with
exhausted state. He considers killing himself—or Mr. Covey. freedom, by plunging them into the lowest depths of
The Chesapeake Bay is visible from where Douglass lies. He dissipation."
sees the white sails of ships moving off to the ocean and is
At the end of his one-year lease to Mr. Covey, Douglass is sent
jealous of them because they "are free; I am fast in my chains,
to serve Mr. Freeland, who treats his slaves with dignity and
and am a slave!" Douglass questions God and the existence of
kindness. Mr. Freeland owns only two slaves, and the rest of
a God, then promises himself there is "a better day coming."
his hands are hired help. Douglass writes of Mr. Freeland: "He,
One hot August day, Douglass collapses from exhaustion. Mr. like Mr. Covey, gave us enough to eat, but unlike Mr. Covey,
Covey comes to Douglass and orders him to get back to work. gave us sufficient time to take our meals. He worked us hard,
Douglass tries but collapses again, so Mr. Covey beats him on but always between sunrise and sunset. He required a good
the head. When Mr. Covey is not looking, Douglass escapes to deal of work to be done but gave us good tools with which to
work." Douglass describes Mr. Freeland as a Southern

gentleman and "the best master I ever had, till I became my Douglass describes how, in Baltimore, freedmen work side by
own master." Mr. Freeland does not pretend to be religious. side with white carpenters until the whites demand that the
Douglass believes that "the religion of the [South] is a mere blacks be let go, fearing they will take their jobs. Later, the
covering for the most horrid crimes." This, according to white apprentices feel it is degrading for them to work with
Douglass, is because the worst of the slaveholders are the Douglass, and four of them attack him. He tries to fight back,
religious slaveholders. but there are too many of them, and he is forced to find a way
to escape.
While working for Mr. Freeland, Douglass starts a Sabbath
school at the home of a free black man. At one point, there are Douglass tells Hugh Auld what occurred. The decency of the
as many as 40 people attending the Sunday school. Douglass Aulds returns, and they nurse Douglass. Douglass explains that
describes teaching his fellow slaves as "the sweetest "the heart of my once overkind mistress was once again
engagement with which I was ever blessed." Douglass also melted into pity." Hugh Auld tries to get justice, but no one will
teaches some of his fellow slaves at Mr. Freeland's place a few testify on behalf of a black man.
evenings a week. He feels indebted to his fellow slaves,
favored by the opportunities bestowed on him due to divine Hugh Auld finds Douglass a job in another shipyard, where he
providence, but never superior to them. learns caulking. Douglass is a fast learner and commands the
wages of the most experienced caulkers, bringing the money
Mr. Freeland hires Douglass out for a second year. While the home to his master. Though Douglass's overall situation is now
first year passed as smoothly as a year in enslavement can, more comfortable, he is angry that he can't keep his earnings.
during the second year, he begins to want to "live upon free Once again, Douglass's thoughts turn to freedom.
land as well as with Freeland." Douglass is determined to
escape that year, and he and the other slaves encourage one
another about the prospect of acquiring freedom. Along with Analysis
four other slaves, Douglass hatches an escape plan. The plan
is to get a large canoe and paddle directly up the Chesapeake This chapter is by far the longest in the book and includes a
Bay. At the head of the bay, "it was our purpose to turn our turning point in Douglass's life. While working with Mr. Covey,
canoe adrift, and follow the guidance of the north star till we his feelings swing between suicide, murder, and determination.
got beyond the limits of Maryland." It is believed that taking the The slaves' reference to Mr. Covey as a "snake" calls to mind
water route will make the escapees less liable to be suspected the biblical story of Adam and Eve. In that story, the snake's
as runaways. conniving ways bring about its own downfall, along with that of
Adam and Eve. Like the snake, Mr. Covey brings down
Douglass is anxious, scared, and excited as the day draws Douglass but later fears him.
near. When the day arrives, Douglass correctly senses that
they have been betrayed, for he is seized and beaten. In times of trouble, there is no recourse for Douglass. His
master, Thomas Auld, takes the side of his fellow slaveholder,
The men stick together and admit nothing. They are concerned Mr. Covey. It is not just slaves on the plantation who have no
that they might be sold to other owners and speculate about advocates. Slaves in the city also have no recourse. When
who betrayed them. After spending some time in jail, the four Douglass is nearly beaten to death by the white apprentices,
other slaves are taken back where they came from. Being left there are 50 white carpenters nearby and not one helps or
alone hurts Douglass deeply. A week later, Thomas Auld even says a kind word. When a witness is needed to press
removes Douglass from jail with the intention of sending him to charges, no one is willing to step up. Although Hugh and
Alabama. However, he changes his mind and sends him back Sophia Auld nurse Douglass back to health, they soon send
to his brother, Hugh Auld, in Baltimore. him off to work again so he can bring them more money. For
them, Douglass is an investment, not a person.
A few weeks after returning to Baltimore, Douglass is hired out
to Mr. Gardner, a shipbuilder, to learn a trade. However, Mr. Despite his claims of being religious, Mr. Covey is interested
Gardner has no time to teach him, and Douglass learns only only in money. While he considers himself pious, he forces his
simple tasks and is given no responsibilities. slave to commit adultery. Either Mr. Covey does not believe the

slaves are people, and therefore not subject to God's one another shows that slaves long for the bonds of
commands, or he does not care about God's commands. brotherhood and community, as do all people. If slaves are not
fully realized, emotional beings, it is because of the
It is, however, religion that lifts Douglass when he is at his dehumanization of slavery.
lowest point. He contemplates a world without God, yet he
asks for help. At that moment, Douglass draws strength from Planning and making an escape attempt is heroic, but the
the boats that can lead him to freedom. Instead of suicide, he forces lined up against the slaves are unforgiving. Douglass
declares, "There is a better day coming." However, Douglass worries most about the prospects of success "because I was,
sees religion in the South not as a means to better days but as by common consent, at the head of the whole affair." As the
a way to cover up for one's crimes. According to Douglass, too day for the escape nears, Douglass alludes to American
many people in the South claim to be pious while in church or politician Patrick Henry's famous speech about liberty and
with their neighbors but act barbarically toward slaves. As death: "With us it was a doubtful liberty at most, and almost
Douglass sees it, many people use religion to condone their certain death if we failed." However, he does survive, and he
own duplicitous ways. summons his incredible resources of focus and hope so that
he can make the most of his return to Baltimore and his former
Duplicity is also the reason why the slaves are given the week master there.
off between Christmas and New Year's Day. Slaveholders give
their slaves time off as another way of entrapping them in It is clear that Douglass is more comfortable in a city, and in his
slavery. Without a break, the slaves might rebel. Thus, improved situation, he can dream of freedom. An important
slaveholders give them a week off but encourage them to get step in this direction occurs when Douglass is hired by
drunk during that break. It is the slaveholders' hope that, when Gardner, the shipbuilder. Though he must put up with the
drunk and unable to care for themselves, the slaves will insults and attacks from white workers, he can earn a wage. As
appreciate that their owners take care of them. They will he did with Mr. Covey, he boldly and heroically fights back
"disgust the slave with freedom, by allowing him to see only the despite the risks of striking white men.
abuse of it." Douglass believes that if slaves were allowed to
use their time more wisely, they might be able to better their While the fruits of a slave's labor are always strictly for the
situation. benefit of the master, this situation is different. Douglass has

earned the money himself. The money comes to him directly,
Douglass believes in education and feels it is a key to but he gets no benefit from it. Though money has been
abolishing slavery. When he learns how to read, the world described as coined freedom, in this case it simply serves to
opens up to him, and he is filled with ideas and thoughts he make Douglass a more useful slave.
was previously unable to express. The tremendous joy and
fulfillment Douglass gets from teaching his fellow slaves is not
surprising. Chapter 11
Douglass mentions repeatedly how much he loves his fellow
slaves at the school. This is the first time in the book that he is
so unabashed with his emotions. When his mother dies earlier
Summary
in the narrative, he is indifferent. For the schoolboys who help
"I now come to that part of my life," Douglass writes, "during
him learn to read in Baltimore, he feels "affection." While he is
which I planned, and finally succeeded in making, my escape
livid over the treatment his grandmother receives at the hands
from slavery." He cannot state all the facts because he will
of Thomas Auld, love is never mentioned. Other relatives,
expose those who helped him. He expresses disapproval of
including siblings, are also referred to in his narrative, but no
those who speak openly of the Underground Railroad, which
emotion is ever expressed.
he thinks of as the "upper-ground railroad." Those who discuss
A person without the ability to express emotions is not it make masters more vigilant.
complete. Slaveholders deliberately strive to keep slaves from
In the early part of 1838, Douglass grows restless. Hugh Auld
developing bonds of love and emotion toward their fellow
sometimes gives Douglass a small fraction of the money
slaves. The love that Douglass and his fellow slaves feel for

Douglass has earned. Auld thinks he is encouraging Douglass, and wife are very helpful. Douglass, who was born with the last
but Douglass believes it has the opposite effect. Douglass says name of Bailey, had changed his surname to Johnson upon his
receiving part of the money "was proof, in my mind, that he arrival in New York. He now decides to change it again, as
believed me entitled to the whole." Johnson is a common name in New Bedford. Mr. Johnson
suggests the surname of Douglass, inspired by a character in a
When Thomas Auld visits, Douglass asks him if he can hire book he is reading.
himself out, but Thomas Auld declines and warns Douglass
about trying to escape again. Two months later, Douglass Douglass is surprised at the apparent wealth in New Bedford.
makes the same request of Hugh Auld, who, after some The people appear to be in good health and seem stronger
thought and consideration, agrees. He and Douglass work out than the people in Maryland. Douglass notes that even black
a deal. While Douglass knows the deal favors Hugh Auld, he people live well in New Bedford; they live comfortably and look
agrees to it because "it was a step towards freedom to be out for one another. Douglass is unable to find work as a
allowed to bear the responsibilities of a freeman." caulker—too many whites refuse to work with black men—but
he is able to find a job loading oil on a ship.
For four months, the agreement works. Douglass finds his own
work as a caulker and pays Hugh Auld the agreed-upon Four months after arriving in New Bedford, Douglass begins
portion of his wages every Saturday. But one Saturday night, reading the newspaper the Liberator, which he very much
Douglass attends a camp meeting (a religious revival) and is enjoys. He attends antislavery meetings, including one in
unable to pay Hugh Auld until the next day. When Douglass Nantucket in 1841, where he is encouraged to speak. He does
arrives on Sunday, Hugh Auld angrily forbids him from hiring so reluctantly, as it is his first time speaking in front of white
himself out. In retaliation, Douglass spends the next week not people, but his brief speech is well received. From that point
working. Hugh Auld is furious. The next Monday morning, forward, Douglass is engaged in "pleading the cause of my
Douglass goes back to work. He is determined to do so brethren."
because he has decided to make another break for freedom
on September 3. That day is three weeks away, and Douglass In an appendix to the narrative, Douglass explains his religious
needs to save money for the trip. The three weeks go beliefs. His criticisms apply only to the "slaveholding religion" of
smoothly, and Hugh Auld does not suspect anything. the land, not to Christianity proper. One is as "good, pure, and
holy" as the other is "bad, corrupt, and wicked." He abhors the
As the day draws near, Douglass fears getting caught, which hypocrites who hold a whip during the week and attend church
would seal his fate as a slave forever. He also notes the on Sunday and who preach against theft and adultery while
difficulty of leaving friends behind. It is Douglass's belief that dealing in the sale of slaves.
many slaves would attempt to escape "but for the strong cords
of affection that bind them to their friends."
Analysis
Douglass intentionally provides no details of his escape route,
for the reasons stated at the chapter's beginning of the The system of slavery in the American South was an economic
chapter. He reaches New York, a free state, "without the issue as well as a moral one. Southern plantation owners
slightest interruption." After his initial exhilaration, he feels utilized blacks as an unpaid workforce, which enabled the
lonely and is afraid of being discovered and taken back to owners to increase profits. As seen with Mr. Covey earlier in
slavery. He meets David Ruggles, who runs a boarding house the narrative, slaves are a commodity used for economic gain.
and helps former slaves. David Ruggles advises Douglass to go How appropriate, then, that economics is what incites
to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he can practice his Douglass to enact his escape plan. Douglass makes a sound
trade. Anna, Douglass's intended wife, comes to New York and profitable economic decision when he escapes the chains
from Baltimore (she is a free woman), and the two are married. of slavery.
They leave for New Bedford with their marriage certificate and
five dollars from David Ruggles. When Hugh Auld gives Douglass money, Douglass prefers not
to keep it; he does not want to assuage Hugh Auld's guilt.
When they arrive in New Bedford, Douglass and his wife go to Unlike many other slaves and former slaves, Douglass shows
see an abolitionist couple, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. The husband

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Study Guide Quotes 23
himself equally adept at the mind games that slaveholders play

should have probably felt at the
with their slaves. He cannot be bought off with a weeklong
drunken bender. Douglass has a sense of his own value. death of a stranger."
Money and economics continue to motivate Douglass on his
— Douglass, Chapter 1
arrival in New Bedford. He is surprised at the wealth that exists
in the town. Even the home of Mr. Johnson, a laborer, is better
than those of "nine tenths of the slaveholders in Talbot County When Douglass's mother passes away, he is indifferent. He has
Maryland," and the black residents also live well. But just as in never had the opportunity to forge a relationship with her.
Baltimore, whites in New Bedford refuse to work with blacks.
While Douglass spends little time on this fact, it leaves the
reader wondering just how different the North is from the "Slaves sing most when they are
South. In the South, there is slavery, and in the North, prejudice.
most unhappy."
Douglass does not provide the details of his escape, and for
good reason. He hopes slaveholders will be confused and — Douglass, Chapter 2
uncertain about whether or not their slaves might escape. He
does not want to give away any information about escape
routes or how slaves might escape. He also wants to protect The main purpose of the book is to teach about slaves and
those who help slaves escape. slavery. People in the North misconstrue slaves' singing to
mean they are content.
Douglass mentions that it is hard to leave Baltimore because of
all his wonderful friends. This may come as a surprise to the
reader, as Douglass rarely discusses having friends earlier in "The fatal poison of irresponsible
the narrative. In fact, the first time the reader is informed about
Anna Murray, Douglass's fiancé, is when she comes to New power was already in her hands,
York to marry him. The reason that he does not mention her and soon commenced its infernal
earlier is unclear. The union eventually resulted in the birth of
four children, which he also declines to mention. work."
While Douglass appreciates community, he thrives when he is
on his own. The key events depicted in the narrative all occur
when Douglass is self-reliant. These events include his learning
how to read, standing up to Mr. Covey, and escaping slavery. Douglass is referring to Sophia Auld, of whom he spoke
Perhaps there is a subtle message here: while friends and glowingly when he first met her. She is good and decent until
community are important, each individual is responsible for she gets used to being a slaveholder and behaves like one.
securing his or her own freedom and happiness.
Douglass's appendix drives home the recurring theme of the

"The argument which he so
hypocrisy of Christian slaveholders, who profess to love God
but show no mercy to slaves. warmly urged, against my learning
to read, only served to inspire me
g Quotes with a desire and determination to
learn."
"I received the tidings of her death
with much the same emotions I

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Study Guide Symbols 24
Hugh Auld insisted that Sophia Auld stop teaching Douglass

I have ever met, religious
how to read. He said it would make Douglass unmanageable
and unhappy. His words inspire Douglass to do anything he slaveholders are the worst."
can to learn.
"The dark night of slavery closed One of Douglass's themes in the book is that the religion of the
in upon me; and behold a man South is corrupted. He makes this determination based on his
experience with religious slaveholders.
transformed into a brute!"
— Douglass, Chapter 10 "To make a contented slave, it is

necessary to make a thoughtless
Douglass is at his lowest point while working for Mr. Covey. He
has been broken physically and mentally. His zest for life and one."
learning has been snuffed out.
"The day had passed forever when The power of education is a major theme in the book. Slaves
I could be a slave in fact." are kept uneducated and in the dark about the world around
them, so they have no aspirations for bettering their situation.
"My soul was set all on fire."

When Douglass fights back against Mr. Covey, he becomes
revitalized and is determined to become a free man.
"Their object seems to be, to Douglass fervently desires to help the slaves. Once he joins the
abolitionists, he finds like-minded people.
disgust their slaves with freedom,
by plunging them into the lowest
depths of dissipation." l Symbols
Books
The slaves are given the week between Christmas and New
Year's Day off. The slaveholders encourage the slaves to get
drunk during this time, hoping the experience will leave them ill
Books represent education. Reading inspires Douglass, and he
and in need of protection.
is convinced it will do the same for his fellow slaves. Douglass
sees books and education as the key to enlightening the
slaves. At a certain point in his development, the education
"For of all slaveholders with whom imparted to him through books also represents frustration.
Because of this education, he now knows what is unjust about

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Study Guide Themes 25
his situation, and it deeply troubles him.

Ships
In Chapter 6, Hugh Auld finds out that his wife, Sophia Auld,
has taught Douglass the alphabet. He insists that she stop,
saying that education makes a slave unmanageable and
During Douglass's lifetime, ships were commonly used for
discontented. His speech against education has the opposite
travel. For Douglass, the ship represents his longing for
effect on Douglass, who is determined to learn.
freedom. At one point in the narrative, he works for a
In Chapter 7, Douglass reads his first book, The Columbian shipbuilder. While on the wharf in Chapter 7, Douglass assists
Orator. Through reading the book, Douglass learns about the two Irishmen as they are loading a boat. When they find out
history of slavery and comes to hate it even more. The book that he is a slave for life, they suggest that he run away.
enables him to articulate his thoughts on slavery and its evils. Douglass pretends that he does not hear them. However,
Douglass writes, "I nevertheless remembered their advice, and
In Chapter 10, Douglass talks glowingly of his time teaching from that time I resolved to run away."
Sunday school. He writes, "They were great days to my soul,"
and he calls his time teaching "the sweetest engagement with In Chapter 8, Douglass is sent from Baltimore back to the
which I was ever blessed." The purpose of the Sunday school plantation where he was born. He travels via boat. While he is
is to teach slaves to read. traveling, he pays careful attention "to the direction which the
steamboats took to go to Philadelphia." Watching these boats
revives Douglass's desire to run away.
Whips In Chapter 10, Douglass reaches his lowest point; Mr. Covey
has worked him extremely hard and whipped him regularly. On
one Sunday, his day off, Douglass sits on the bank of the
Chesapeake Bay and sees the white sails of the boats as they
Slaveholders use the whip to enforce discipline and exert head off to the ocean. He is jealous of the boats, as they are
control over the slaves. Sometimes, slaveholders seem loosed from their moorings "and are free; I am fast in my
motivated only by the need to vent their aggression. chains, and am a slave!"
One of Douglass's first memories, depicted in Chapter 1, is of

his Aunt Hester being whipped. Her crime was going out to see
a man even though her master, Captain Anthony, had forbade
it. The whipping he gives her is horrid and frightens six-year-
m Themes
old Douglass, who fears he is next.
Later, in Chapter 10, Douglass is whipped on a near-weekly Education

basis by Mr. Covey. These whippings, along with long hours of
forced labor, break Douglass's body and spirit. Douglass writes
that these beatings transform him into a "brute." During this
time, he contemplates suicide and murder. Education is critical to Douglass's development. Learning how
to read and write opens up the world to Douglass and helps
Henny is a slave whose master is Thomas Auld. Due to a him articulate his thoughts. Douglass strives to give this same
childhood accident, Henny is nearly helpless and cannot use power to his fellow slaves. With education, his fellow slaves will
her hands. Because of this handicap, Thomas Auld views her free their minds, even if their bodies remain chained.
as a burden and expense. This so angers him that his
treatment of her is terribly cruel. In Chapter 9 Douglass Ironically, Douglass learns about the importance of education
describes a time when Henny is tied up all day. She is whipped from Hugh Auld, who says it ruins slaves. Hugh Auld's attitude
before breakfast and then again when the master returns is common among slaveholders who strive to keep their slaves
home for dinner. uneducated. An educated slave, according to Auld, is a
discontented slave. This becomes true for Douglass, but his

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Study Guide Suggested Reading 26
education also compels him to action that empowers him. discusses slaves and their singing in Chapter 2. Douglass
notes that some people in the North think that because slaves
Education becomes Douglass's life's work. He first gets sing, they are content and happy. Douglass explains otherwise,
involved with education when he creates a Sunday school noting, "It is impossible to conceive of a greater mistake."
(Chapter 10). His work as an abolitionist and as the writer of
the Narrative also serve educational purposes. Douglass is Douglass implicitly tries to teach his readers about slavery
striving to educate people about the horrors of slavery and throughout the book. There are times, particularly in the first
why it must be abolished. few chapters, that Douglass's personal story is barely touched
upon. Instead, he focuses on sharing other horrors of slavery
with his readers. One such instance is when he discusses
Colonel Lloyd's treatment of the slaves who care for his
Religion horses. Colonel Lloyd is excessively concerned about the
horses and beats his slaves for little reason. Douglass allows
his readers to draw their own conclusions about Colonel
Throughout the book, Douglass points out the hypocrisy of Lloyd's behavior.
religious slaveholders. He says, "For of all slaveholders with
At the end of Chapter 11, Douglass explains that, in the present
whom I have ever met, religious slaveholders are the worst."
day, he often gives speeches as part of his role in the
Douglass condemns those who claim to be religious and yet
abolitionist movement. His Narrative is clearly an extension of
treat their slaves with extreme cruelty. Thomas Auld, who is
those speeches and has the same goal: to educate people
discussed extensively in Chapter 9, is the prime example of
about the horrors of slavery and to convince them that it must
someone who claims to be religious but treats his slaves
be abolished.
terribly. Mr. Covey is another example. Mr. Freeland, who
Douglass says is his best master other than himself, "made no
pretensions to, or profession of, religion."
Douglass ends the Narrative with an appendix that explains e Suggested Reading
that he does not despise religion. In fact, he is a Christian
himself. Indeed, religion has proven to be a lifeline for Blight, David W. "The Slave Narratives: A Genre and a Source."
Douglass. He consistently refers to "divine providence" in Web. 08 Apr. 2016.
discussing his series of fortunate outcomes.
Bosnicova, Nina. "God Is an Activist: Religion in Narrative of the
However, he points out that there are many people in the Life of Frederick Douglass and The Autobiography of Malcolm
South who claim to be religious but who are not real Christians. X." Web. 08 Apr. 2016.
Douglass, Frederick. Douglass Autobiographies. New York: The

Library of America. 1994. Print.
Slavery Douglass, Frederick, William L. Andrews, and William S.
McFeely. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass:
Authoritative Text, Contexts, Criticism. New York: W.W. Norton,
Douglass's Narrative is not simply an autobiography whose 1996. Print.
purpose is to tell a man's life story. Douglass's purpose is to
educate people about the horrors of slavery. He also Gates, Henry Louis, Jr. Figures in Black. New York: Oxford UP,
emphasizes the distorted mentality that accompanies the 1987. Print.
institution of slavery. Twisted thinking afflicts both the
enforcers and victims of slavery. Douglass expresses this
explicitly and implicitly.
One example of Douglass's explicit instruction is when he

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Narrative of the Life of

j Book Basics ................................................................................................. 1

g Quotes ........................................................................................................ 23 Abolitionist Movement

By the 1840s, when Douglass became involved with the

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Other Major Character

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Full Character List Harriet Bailey

John Harris is part of the group of

Aunt Hester is Douglass's attractive

Betsy Bailey is Douglass's maternal

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When Douglass is seven, he is selected to go to Baltimore and

Though the lessons have ended, they inspire Douglass to learn

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fight "was the turning-point in my career as a slave." It revived

Soon, Douglass finds himself rented out to William Freeland,

During his second go-round in Baltimore, Douglass learns a

The book reveals very few details of Douglass's actual escape.

Douglass's first stop as a free man is New York, where he

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1. Frederick Douglass is born. 9. Douglass fights back against Mr. Covey.

Rising Action Falling Action

4. Douglass is sent to Baltimore.

5. Douglass learns how to read and write.

8. Douglass is broken by Mr. Covey.

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Douglass is born into slavery. His master and probable

Douglass's mother dies. He is not particularly moved as

Douglass is traumatized as he sees his Aunt Hester

Douglass is sent to Baltimore to serve Hugh and Sophia

Sophia Auld teaches Douglass the alphabet and to spell.

Mr. Covey, a cruel slaveholder, whips and works

Douglass refuses to get whipped by Mr. Covey and

Douglass forms a secret Sunday school where he

While readying to follow through on an escape plan,

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Douglass escapes slavery, joins the abolitionists, and

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Phillips asserts that Douglass's narrative is truthful. He believes

Garrison confirms that the entire Narrative was written by

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Slaves sleep on the floor. Their bedding consists of "one

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One of Douglass's goals in his Narrative is to explain the Analysis

Chapter 3 feeding people, does not help the slaves.

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slaves terribly. He focuses on a conversation between a master and a slave as

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The Chesapeake Bay is visible from where Douglass lies. He dissipation."

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situation. benefit of the master, this situation is different. Douglass has

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himself equally adept at the mind games that slaveholders play

Douglass's appendix drives home the recurring theme of the

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