Frederick Douglass starts off by announcing the passing away of Mr. Hopkins, the overseer for Colonel Lloyd. He was then replaced by Mr. Austin Gore and as Douglass describes him as, “a man possessing, in an eminent degree, all those traits of character indispensable to what is called a first-rate overseer” (12). Mr. Gore also previously worked as an overseer for one of Colonel Lloyd’s farms and has proved himself worthy for the “Great House Farm”. Mr. Gore was a proud, cruel and an ambitious man and was fit for the job as an overseer. He would torture and punish slaves who would show a hint of impudence and no matter how innocent the slave was, it would still not satisfy him. Once a slave is accused by Mr. Gore, the slave…show more content… When Douglass first met Mrs. Auld, she was a lady with kind emotions and the kindest heart. Mrs. Auld never had a slave under her before and she was by trade a weaver. She was preserved from the dehumanizing effects of slavery and the evil corruption of power that prevails around a white individual when owning a slave. She was seemed to be opposed to slavery. Douglass still continues to compliment her and he describes her as, “Her face was made of heavenly smiles, and her voice of tranquil music” (19). However, her heart of kindness was short lived and her heart became poisonous with irresponsible power control and her heavenly smiles changed to that of a demon. Mrs. Auld did teach Douglass letters and spellings and when Mr. Auld found out about this he immediately forbade her to teach Douglass further. Douglass soon learned the reality of why he wasn’t taught before when he overheard Mr. Auld’s conversation about why they shouldn’t teach blacks. Douglass was happy to know about what he now has to pursue and to get his freedom. He must learn to read and write and as Douglass said, “What he most dreaded, that I most desired. What he most loved, that I most hated” (20). He is also quite happy to know what he needs to pursue thanks to his master and
