Journal entry, Fredrick Douglass

Write a journal entry asking the questions

Douglass explains that a specific moment in his childhood was his ‘real initiation’ into slavery: witnessing the senseless torture of his Aunt Hester by a sadistic enslaver. First, reflect on the fact that this is one of Douglass’ earliest memories and one that he will remember as long his mind works. To what extent did witnessing this event traumatize Douglass? Second, if this was what first ‘really’ made Douglass a slave, will it be undone if he is set free or escapes?