Douglass is chosen to go live in Baltimore which has many impacts on not only his mind, but on his body. Baltimore becomes the location where Douglass’ first turning point takes place. As a result of being the only slave chosen to go live in Baltimore, Douglass notices that he is special. He says: “I was chosen from among them all, and was the first, last, and only choice.” (pg. 75) Douglass was treated so much better

The difference that now separated Douglass from the rest of the slaves was that the other slaves did not know any better. Many of the slaves were born into slavery. Day in and day out they were told what to do and worked under the control of their masters. The problem that now faced Douglass was that he learned of a better life. The ability to read opened his eyes to the world and opportunities that surrounded him. Thinking had become something that only tormented Douglass because it was always there, and once he acquired this skill, he could never get rid of it. Despite this minor setback, Douglass’ thoughts of knowledge were soon revived, and he also became inspired to learn the skill of writing. This skill would not only further his advances towards freedom, but his troubles would also grow in number due to his stubbornness.

Given that Douglass was broken in body, soul, and spirit within the first six months of living with Mr. Covey, Douglass would not stand for the treatment any longer. As a result of Douglass’s knowledge of how things could be better, he got the thought in his mind that it should be better. Mentally he had already grown and realized that things could be better. Then it became time for him to make a physical change, and make things better. One day, when Covey decided to try and punish Douglass, Douglass fought back. They fought for nearly two hours and Douglass had drawn blood from Covey, but not the other way around. From that point on, Covey did not lay a hand on Douglass. Although fighting Mr. Covey was a turning point, it could not have happened without Douglass learning how to read.

It rekindled the dew expiring embers of freedom, and revived within me a sense of my own manhood. It recalled the departed self-confidence, and inspired me again with a determination to be free... I now resolved that, however long I might remain a slave in form, the day had passed forever when I could be a slave in fact. (pg 113)

The second turning point was a result of learning how to read. Douglass first needed to jump the mental hurtle and realize that things could be better. Then, he needed to take it to the physical level and make things better. Douglass’s personality had changed, and he had gained a strong will, which cost him a number of whippings. Finally, when he became fed up, and realized that he was not going to stand for the mistreatment any longer, he took one

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