1. Unjust Treatment: Douglass was treated as property and subjected to harsh treatment typical during slavery. He was required to work long hours, perform various chores, and endure corporal punishment.
2. Separation from Family: Being far from his family added to Douglass's emotional distress. He was deprived of the love, support, and normalcy that family bonds provide.
3. Limited Education: Initially, Sophia Auld, wife of Hugh Auld, taught Douglass to read and write. However, once Hugh Auld discovered this, he forbade her from continuing, fearing that literacy would make Douglass unruly and discontent. This marked the end of Douglass's formal education.
4. Harsh Discipline: Douglass recalls suffering frequent and severe physical discipline at the hands of Hugh Auld. He was whipped for minor mistakes or disobeying orders, which instilled a sense of fear and resentment in him.
5. Psychological Abuse: Beyond the physical abuse, Douglass was also subjected to psychological manipulation. His self-esteem was undermined, and he was made to feel worthless and inferior because of his status as a slave.
6.Rebellious Spirit: Despite his circumstances, Douglass showed signs of a rebellious spirit. He started refusing to obey unjust commands and resisted being treated like a mere object.
7. Escape Attempts: Douglass tried to escape slavery several times while living with the Auld family. He made plans and even received assistance from sympathetic individuals, but his escape attempts were unsuccessful.
8. Hope and Resistance: Despite the hardships he endured, Douglass never gave up hope. He sought knowledge and education through self-study and interactions with other people. His resilience and determination laid the foundation for his future activism and work towards abolishing slavery.
Douglass's experience in Baltimore played a significant role in shaping his views on slavery, injustice, and the importance of freedom. His determination and experiences would become a driving force in his life and his quest for equal rights for African Americans.