Frederick Douglass believes that the institution of slavery has harmed Mrs. Auld as much as it has injured him due to the corrupting influence of power.
How to explain
In his narrative, he notes Mrs. Auld's transformation from a kind woman to an oppressor after she succumbs to the corrupting influence of slaveholding power.
Douglass observes, "The fatal poison of irresponsible power was already in her hands, and soon commenced its infernal work," indicating how the authority bestowed by slavery corrupted her innate goodness.
This highlights the dehumanizing impact of slavery, corrupting both the enslaved and those in positions of power, leading to moral decay and perpetuating oppression.
The Complete Question
In his narrative, Frederick Douglass reflects on the detrimental effects of slavery, asserting that the institution has harmed Mrs. Auld as profoundly as it has injured him. Douglass perceives Mrs. Auld's transformation from a kind-hearted woman to one embodying the cruelty of slavery. Initially teaching Douglass how to read, she undergoes a shift after her husband forbids her instruction. Douglass notes that the power conferred upon Mrs. Auld by slavery corrupts her innate goodness, turning her into an oppressor. He observes, "The fatal poison of irresponsible power was already in her hands, and soon commenced its infernal work." Douglass suggests that the corrupting influence of slavery dehumanizes both the enslaved and those in positions of power, causing moral decay and perpetuating oppression.
Why does Douglass believe that the institution of slavery has harmed mrs. Auld as much as it has armed Douglass? Cite evidence from the text in your answer.