Her warm-hearted actions towards Douglass cease after she is scolded by her husband for teaching Douglass the ABC's. She loses the view of slaves being human beings because she is stricken with the fear that the slaves will revolt and enslave the White's if they ever became literate because they would be discontent with their slave lifestyle.
how and why does MRS. Auld's behavior toward douglass change?
Initially, Mrs. Auld is supportive of Frederick Douglass's reading and sees it as a positive endeavor. She believes that education can uplift him, reflecting her own values of enlightenment and moral responsibility. However, as her husband, Mr. Auld, prohibits her from teaching Douglass, her attitude shifts, and she becomes more aligned with the oppressive views of slavery, ultimately discouraging his pursuit of knowledge. This change highlights the corrupting influence of slavery on human relationships and moral integrity.
Without the specific excerpt provided, it's challenging to make a precise inference about Mrs. Auld. However, if the excerpt highlights her initial kindness and willingness to teach, it may suggest that she possesses a compassionate nature but is ultimately influenced by societal norms or pressures. If it indicates a change in her demeanor, it could imply a struggle between her personal values and the oppressive system surrounding her.
Frederick Douglass and Mrs. Auld were both victims of slavery, albeit in different ways. Douglass, as an enslaved person, suffered the brutal dehumanization and oppression inherent in the institution of slavery. Mrs. Auld, on the other hand, was a victim of the corrupting influence of slavery; her initial kindness towards Douglass was replaced by cruelty as she succumbed to the societal norms that dictated her behavior as a slave owner. Both experienced the damaging effects of slavery on their humanity and moral compass.
She adapted to new circumstances by convincing herself that she agreed with her husband's views.
how and why does MRS. Auld's behavior toward douglass change?
Mrs. Sophia Auld
Initially, Mrs. Auld is supportive of Frederick Douglass's reading and sees it as a positive endeavor. She believes that education can uplift him, reflecting her own values of enlightenment and moral responsibility. However, as her husband, Mr. Auld, prohibits her from teaching Douglass, her attitude shifts, and she becomes more aligned with the oppressive views of slavery, ultimately discouraging his pursuit of knowledge. This change highlights the corrupting influence of slavery on human relationships and moral integrity.
If written by Mrs. Auld, the account might provide a different perspective on Frederick Douglass's experiences, focusing more on her emotions, thoughts, and internal struggles regarding slavery and her relationship with Douglass. Mrs. Auld's narrative may also highlight the societal pressures, contradictions, and power dynamics that shaped her actions and attitudes towards Douglass.
Mrs. Auld
Frederick Douglass attributes the kindness of Mrs. Auld to her nature as a naturally kind person, unaffected by the corrupting influence of slavery when she first met him. He describes her initial treatment of him as compassionate and genuine before she began to conform to the racial attitudes prevalent at the time.
Frederick Douglass and Mrs. Auld were both victims of slavery, albeit in different ways. Douglass, as an enslaved person, suffered the brutal dehumanization and oppression inherent in the institution of slavery. Mrs. Auld, on the other hand, was a victim of the corrupting influence of slavery; her initial kindness towards Douglass was replaced by cruelty as she succumbed to the societal norms that dictated her behavior as a slave owner. Both experienced the damaging effects of slavery on their humanity and moral compass.
She adapted to new circumstances by convincing herself that she agreed with her husband's views.
Mrs. Auld smiling at him
When Frederick Douglass first arrives at the Auld household, Mrs. Auld initially treats him with kindness and compassion. She shows him a level of care that contrasts with the harshness he experienced before. However, this kindness soon changes as she is influenced by her husband's views on slavery, leading her to adopt a more cruel and oppressive demeanor towards Douglass. This shift highlights the corrupting power of slavery on relationships and morality.
Her Husband corrupted her to become an evil slave owner.
I know it isn't, but Sidney Poitier in 'The Concrete Jungle' springs to mind.....