Final answer:
The life of a slave was marked by physical abuse, extreme labor, and family separation. Their lives were filled with suffering and a lack of autonomy, making their existence extremely sad and difficult. Even after emancipation, the transition to freedom brought new challenges for former slaves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The life of a slave was sad for several profound reasons. They endured immense suffering and inhumane treatment, such as physical abuse and excessive labor that often exceeded eighteen hours a day without adequate sustenance, as noted by John Brown, an ex-slave who detailed his harrowing experiences.
Families were frequently torn apart without any consideration for their emotional bonds, as slaves had no autonomy over their lives and could be sold or traded at their owners' whims.
Slaves created communities bonded by shared hardships and developed subtle forms of resistance to maintain a sense of unity and dignity amidst the constant dehumanization. However, the ever-present dread of being utterly at the mercy of their masters, coupled with the lack of freedom to control even the most basic aspects of their lives, contributed to a pervasive sadness.
After emancipation, the challenges transitioned into the overwhelming responsibility of newfound freedom, where former slaves had to navigate a world with little preparation or support, amplifying the profound impact that the institution of slavery had on their psyches and futures