Final answer:
The Luttrell brothers were raised under the oppressive conditions of slavery, where they had to be discreet, submissive, and guarded for survival. They were taught through stories and songs that had dual meanings, conveying the harsh realities of their lives and the injustices of slavery. Despite occasional protection, their upbringing was characterized by hardship and a lack of basic freedoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Luttrell brothers, like many children under slavery, were raised under conditions that required them to be discreet, submissive, and guarded around white people. The environment of slavery necessitated that enslaved children learn these behaviors for survival. Parents would often use stories and work songs to teach these lessons, with popular narratives involving tricksters or animals, such as Brer Rabbit, who managed to outwit antagonists. These tales were not just entertainment but carried deeper meanings about the wrongs and harsh reality of slavery. Sometimes, these narratives and songs had double meanings; a literal one that was non-offensive to white audiences, and a deeper meaning understood among the enslaved individuals themselves.
Such formative experiences were a common reality for enslaved children, witnessing or experiencing hardship, hunger, whipping, and nak_edness. Despite the affection or mild protection some children received from certain members of the enslavers’ households, the overall experience remained one of being dehumanized and treated as property, with limited freedoms and constant labor demands. The stories of the Luttrell brothers illustrate a universal struggle among enslaved individuals to maintain a sense of humanity and resilience in the face of systemic oppression and exploitation.