In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass describes his introduction to enslavement as "the blood-stained gate, the entrance to the hell of slavery."

Question

Based on this statement, what is Douglass's attitude toward enslavement?

Responses

Only evil people became enslaved.

Only evil people became enslaved.

Enslavement was an awful experience filled with brutal violence.
Enslavement was an awful experience filled with brutal violence.

The Bible was often used to justify enslavement.

The Bible was often used to justify enslavement.

The life of an enslaver was hellish.

Answer 1

Based on Douglass's description of enslavement as "the blood-stained gate, the entrance to the hell of slavery," his attitude toward enslavement can be interpreted as one of deep condemnation and horror. He views enslavement as an "awful experience filled with brutal violence," signifying the suffering and inhumanity that characterized the institution of slavery. Thus, the response that best reflects Douglass's attitude is:

Enslavement was an awful experience filled with brutal violence.