An intermittent presence in his life, died when Douglas was around 10 years old. ... When Hugh Auld forbade his wife's lessons, Douglass continued to learn from white children and others in the neighborhood.   Douglass tried to escape from slavery twice before he succeeded. ... His mother, her name was Harriet Bailey and she died when Douglass was only seven years old. ... Before she turned all cruel she thought Douglass the alphabet and some small words. ...

• Word Count: 2694
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School