Final answer:
The phrase 'It was enough to make a body ashamed of the human race,' used in literature, often reflects an author's critical view of unethical societal behaviors, like the institution of slavery, that clash with the natural beauty of the world and a higher moral standard.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "It was enough to make a body ashamed of the human race" reflects a deep dissatisfaction or disillusionment with human behavior, often regarding ethics or morality. Twain uses this expression through the character of Huck in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to illustrate the conflict between the natural beauty of the world and the corruption he perceives in human society.
Throughout the novel, there are many instances where human activities and societal norms, such as slavery and cheating, are depicted as corrupting forces that tarnish the natural world and cause moral shame. Douglass, similarly, uses irony to criticize the socially accepted norms of his time that condoned slavery.
His reflections show the contradiction between the touted Christian values of the society and the inhuman act of enslaving others, further invoking feelings of shame about societal behaviors. In literature, shame can be a powerful tool to convey the author's message and themes, highlighting the disparity between societal norms and personal ethics or ideals.