Read the excerpt from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.

Question

In moments of agony, I envied my fellow-slaves for their stupidity. I have often wished myself a beast. I preferred the condition of the meanest reptile to my own. Any thing, no matter what, to get rid of thinking! It was this everlasting thinking of my condition that tormented me.

What effect do the words "beast” and "meanest reptile” have on the reader?

They emphasize the dehumanizing nature of slavery.
They suggest enslaved persons being obedient to an enslaver.
They illustrate how angry enslavers often become.
They add frightening elements to an entertaining narrative.

Answer 1

The words "beast" and "meanest reptile" emphasize the dehumanizing nature of slavery. By expressing a desire to be compared to a lower, non-human form of life, Douglass highlights the profound psychological torment and loss of humanity experienced by enslaved individuals. His longing for numbness and the absence of thought underscores the brutal reality of his situation, illustrating the deep anguish that comes with being enslaved. Thus, the correct answer is:

They emphasize the dehumanizing nature of slavery.