In Frederick Douglass’s narrative, he meticulously details how the slave system corrupts the morality of slaveholders, effectively dehumanizing them. For instance, he describes the transformation of Mrs. Auld, a woman who initially exhibited kindness but became cruel under the influence of slavery. This shift from compassion to brutality illustrates how the system can warp a person’s character. Similarly, Douglass recounts the gleeful savagery of Mr. Covey when punishing the slaves. This highlights the perverse pleasure some slaveholders derive from their absolute power. Lastly, he points to the indifference of slaveholders to the familial bonds of slaves, tearing families apart without remorse, which further proves their loss of humanity.
