Final answer:
The focus is on the psychological impact of prolonged cruelty as depicted in historical and fictional narratives, particularly relating to slavery and inhumane practices, which is a topic studied in social studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement '...commit cruelty on a person long enough and the mind begins to go.' reflects on the psychological impact of sustained cruelty and abuse. This theme is evident throughout history and literature, especially within the context of slavery, oppression, and torture.
The primary focus here is the examination of the psychological consequences of prolonged cruelty, as implied by the provided excerpts which detail various instances of intense physical and emotional pain, and the resulting mental turmoil and degradation. Such narratives are powerful indictments of inhumane practices across different periods and societies.
The specified excerpts evoke strong imagery of suffering and the gradual fracturing of a person's spirit under the weight of relentless brutality. Whether from the era of slavery, inhuman scientific endeavors, or the exploration of power dynamics, all these accounts converge on the essential truth that inhumane treatment can have profound effects on the psyche.
The examination of such inhumane practices and their psychological repercussions is a vital part of social studies, which often includes elements of psychology, sociology, history, and ethics.