The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass presents an insight into the imbalance between a slave and a slaveholder. In this account, Douglass proves that slavery influences the whites as well with the blacks. The "poison of irresponsible power" that the masters hold has a harmful and dehumanizing effect on their morals and beliefs (Douglass 45). This immense authority in the hands of one breaks the kindest heart, and finest feelings were transforming them into a demon. Douglass applies flashback, deep characterization, and appeals to the emotions to address the adverse effects of slavery. .
Throughout Douglass' childhood, there are a lot of occurrences where he is subject to terrible abuse and demeaning acts against him. As a youth, he experienced his first incident of slavery when he sees the cruel whipping that his Aunt Hester suffers from their overseer Mr. Plummer. Douglas' "entrance into the hell of slavery" was identified by this "horrible exhibition" that took place in front of his eyes. The bloody scene that took place had a profound effect on him (Douglass 21). This was the beginning of what was to come throughout his life. As he precedes his journey as a slave, he has more frightful experiences that are intended to break down the slaves both mentally and physically. "Master, however, was not a humane slaveholder. He was a cruel man, hardened by a long life of slaveholding. He would at times seem to take great pleasure in whipping a slave" (Douglass 20). Douglass points out that being in a status of complete power over another human being has an adverse effect on the character, a hardening of sensitivities and negation of humanity. .
Douglass recounts his percentage to show the difficulties encountered when a master plays the role of a father. He explains that the dangerous desires of the owner destroy the lives of his children. "The master is frequently compelled to sell this class of his slaves, out of deference to the feelings of his white wife" (Douglass 19).
