Student Question
Why did Douglass leave Baltimore for the second time in chapter VIII?
Quick answer:
Frederick Douglass leaves Baltimore for the second time in Chapter VIII after Lucretia, his new owner and the daughter of his deceased former owner, dies. He is sent to live with Lucretia's widower, Thomas Auld, necessitating his departure from the city. This move follows his earlier return to Baltimore under Lucretia's ownership after the division of his previous owner's property.
At the start of this chapter, Frederick Douglass is a slave living in the city of Baltimore. His owner lives on a plantation elsewhere. Early in the chapter, Douglass hears that his owner has died. Douglass then has to leave the city to be divided up with the rest of the owner's property. This is the first time he leaves Baltimore.
Douglass ends up being sent back to the city with his new owner, Lucretia, daughter of the old owner. But not long after that, Lucretia dies. Eventually, Douglass is sent out of the city to live with Lucretia's widower. This is why he leaves Baltimore the second time -- to go live with Thomas Auld.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.