Mr. and Mrs. Auld were both at home, and met me at the door with their little son Thomas, to take care of whom I had been given. And here I saw what I had never seen before; it was a white face beaming with the most kindly emotions; it was the face of my new mistress, Sophia Auld. I wish I could describe the rapture that flashed through my soul as I beheld it. It was a new and strange sight to me, brightening up my pathway with the light of happiness. Little Thomas was told, there was his Freddy, – and I was told to take care of little Thomas; and thus I entered upon the duties of my new home with the most cheering prospect ahead.
Which of these is a true statement about expectations of enslaved people in Douglass’s time?
They were treated kindly on most plantations, and they learned to expect fairness.
They were considered equals on many plantations, and they strived to earn decent pay.
They were accustomed to harsh treatment, and they were surprised by kindness from authority figures.
They were treated cruelly by their masters, and they were frightened of all new people.
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The true statement about expectations of enslaved people in Douglass’s time is: They were accustomed to harsh treatment, and they were surprised by kindness from authority figures.
In his narrative, Douglass often reflects on the brutality and inhumanity faced by enslaved individuals. The moment he experiences kindness from his new mistress, Sophia Auld, is portrayed as a rare and surprising occurrence, highlighting the contrast between his past experiences and this newfound kindness.
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