Characters
This woman was Frederick Douglass's mother, whom he saw only a few times in his life.
Who is Harriet Bailey?
Frederick Douglass was born on this Maryland plantation, owned by Captain Anthony.
What is the Lloyd plantation?
This theme, central to Douglass’s narrative, highlights the physical and emotional impact of being treated as property rather than as a human being.
What is dehumanization?
Douglass begins his narrative by describing his birthplace on a plantation in this U.S. state.
What is Maryland?
This overseer was known for his cold, calculated cruelty and once shot a slave named Demby for refusing to come out of the creek.
Who is Mr Gore
This man, Douglass’s first enslaver, was believed to be his biological father.
Who is Captain Anthony?
This area of Maryland, near the Tuckahoe River, was where Douglass spent the early years of his life.
What is Talbot County?
Douglass describes this as a “curse” for enslaved people, representing both a lack of connection and the denial of identity.
What is not knowing one's age or birthday?
Douglass recounts that his mother would travel miles at night to see him, but this was only possible because of this harsh rule of slavery.
What is the separation of families?
This cruel overseer, known for his violence, was replaced after his sudden death.
Who is Mr. Severe?
The enslaved children on Colonel Lloyd’s plantation often ate this meal out of troughs, sharing with others like livestock.
What is mush?
The frequent singing of enslaved people on the plantation serves as a symbol of this deeply felt emotion, misunderstood by outsiders.
What is sorrow/sadness?
Douglass witnesses this brutal punishment for the first time as a young boy, cementing his understanding of the cruelty of slavery.
What is the whipping of his Aunt Hester?
This wealthy plantation owner, obsessed with the condition of his horses, often punished enslaved people harshly for mistakes related to their care.
Who is Colonel Lloyd?
Enslaved people on Colonel Lloyd's plantation lived in these simple, often overcrowded structures.
What are cabins?
Colonel Lloyd’s large and intricately maintained stables symbolized this aspect of the plantation system.
What is the wealth and power of enslavers?
Douglass’s life begins to change when he is sent to live with this family in Baltimore, where he first experiences a glimmer of education.
Who is the Auld family?
This young woman, Douglass’s first mistress in Baltimore was described as kind.
Who is Sophia Auld?
Douglass’s move to this location marked his first exposure to a less brutal form of slavery, though he quickly learned that city enslavers were still oppressive.
What is Baltimore?
Douglass mentions this enforced state as a tool used by enslavers to maintain control, symbolizing the link between knowledge and freedom.
What is illiteracy?
Douglass explains that enslaved children like himself often suffered from this deprivation, forcing them to endure harsh winters without adequate protection.
What is a lack of clothing or shoes?