But, alas! this kind heart had but a short time to remain such. The fatal poison of irresponsible power was already in her hands, and soon commenced its infernal work. That cheerful eye, under the influence of slavery, eventually became red with rage; that voice made all of sweet accord, changed to one of harsh and horrid discord; and that angelic face gave place to that of a demon.

—Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,
Frederick Douglass

What image of Mrs. Auld do the adjectives create?

a mean-spirited woman who always believed in enslaving people
a good woman made angry and mean by enslaving people
a mean woman who became nicer after she became an enslaver
a nice woman whose behavior toward Douglass would not change because of enslavement

1 answer

The adjectives create the image of a good woman made angry and mean by enslaving people. The passage describes her initial kind nature and the transformation that occurs as she comes under the influence of slavery's power, leading to her anger and harshness.