Final answer:
Sandy Jenkins gives Frederick Douglass a root said to protect him from whippings, which Douglass carries despite his skepticism as a symbol of hope and protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before returning to Mr. Covey, Frederick Douglass is given a root by Sandy Jenkins, which Jenkins claims has a special power to protect Douglass from being whipped by Covey or any other white man. Douglass is skeptical about the root's supposed supernatural abilities but decides to carry it in his pocket to pleas Sandy. This act of taking the root represents a blend of African folklore and a desperate hope for protection. Throughout the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass explores themes of power, freedom, and the struggle of enslaved people, emphasizing the emotional support Douglass received from kind individuals like Sandy Jenkins.