Thoughts on Douglass' Narrative of the Life

Douglass’ slave narrative is a piece that I have read numerous times and is of great importance. One of the aspects of this piece that I personally enjoy is the specific name of each master that Douglass describes. Douglass makes a tasteful choice in naming these men sometimes based on the severity of the cruelties they display. Such is the case for Mr. “Gore.” While there is no evidence that shows that this was not the man’s real name, it is more likely that Douglass altered this man’s name. This is done to emphasize the cruel actions this man repeatedly displays as well as the great amount of African American blood he has spilled.

The differences in slave-owners are highlighted throughout this piece. Douglass has a fantastic recall and because these events occurred when he was so young, he was extremely impressionable. He remembers the cruelty and whippings of particular masters of his, and the kindness of others. One fascinating line in this piece is when Douglass explains how Sophia Auld, one of his masters, changes over time due to slavery. Though Mrs. Auld is first described in great detail as almost angelic, her attitude toward Douglass and slaves in general changes drastically. The woman that once taught Douglass the alphabet becomes cruel and cold. Douglass explains that her “cheerful eye, under the influence of slavery, soon became red with rage; that voice, made all of sweet accord, changed to one of harsh and horrid discord” (1196). Though Sophia’s husband can be accredited for acting as a catalyst to this change (he prohibits Sophia from teaching Douglass to read), her attitude and demeanor towards him does indeed change.

            Throughout this piece, the reader is able to see how white Americans during this time period treat black slaves differently. Unfortunately, much cruelty and inherent meanness is frequently displayed which makes this piece so difficult to read and comprehend. My question is, does Sophia’s attitude change only because of the explanation her husband gives? Or, over time, would other white members of the community inevitably pressure her into being less kind to Douglass?