Punishment is represented throughout both of these stories because of the beatings and verbal abuse, often received throughout the course of being a slave. In douglass’s book he says “I have often been awakened at the dawn of day by the most heart-rending shrieks of an own aunt of mine, whom he used to tie up to a joist, and whip upon her naked back till she was literally covered with blood.” Unfortunately, this was Aunt Hester, Douglass’s aunt form of “punishment” for seeing a boyfriend that their Master didn't want her to see because he took a liking to Aunt Hester. Her beating was beyond uncalled for. However, that was “punishment” and sadly, this was nothing new. Moving on to The Slave Girl she has had her fair amounts of punishment also. In the article it quotes “she tossed her own clothes into the washing machine. When Motelib found out she slapped her.” Honestly, the quote speaks for itself Shyima was punished for nothing at all, for wanting to