A Change of Heart

We often cringe at the thought of innocently carefree children being forced to grow up, finally learning the harsh realities of life. Will they become calloused and jaded? Will they scoff at their beloved Tooth Fairy? Will they stop wearing their Batman shirt because it isn’t “cool” enough? We all wish for children that we can preserve their innocence in a frozen moment in time. We might wish that our youthful naïveté was still intact, and that we felt completely at peace dancing in public. Now let’s steer this example back to the 1800’s. 

In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Douglass recounts his experiences with Sophia Auld; so childlike and naive in her unusual kindness toward everyone around her. “...she had been in a good degree preserved from the flighting and dehumanizing effects of slavery. I was utterly astonished at her goodness.” (Douglass 77) A kind white person was a completely foreign and unthinkable concept to Douglass and his fellows. His whole perspective and manner were forced to shift. How does one interact with a white woman when “The crouching servility, usually so acceptable a quality in a slave, did not answer when manifested toward her. Her favor was not gained by it; she seemed to be disturbed by it.” (Douglass 77)

Sophia’s very countenance and manners were the first step in Douglass’ true realization of his condition. Did she feel guilt? Did that mean that white people knew that their actions were wrong? To further her kindness, Sophia teaches Douglass how to read. However, Sophia is reprimanded for her role as teacher by her husband. Sophia was told by the society around her that her kindness was wrong. Just like the children of the world who eventually stop coloring outside the lines, Sophia was forced to succumb to the societal norms of her day. “The fatal poison of irresponsible power was already in her hands, and soon commenced its infernal work. That cheerful eye, under the influence of slavery, soon became red with rage...” (Douglass 78)

In a bizarre turn of events, the woman “...of the kindest heart and finest feelings...” (Douglas 77) hopped on the cruelty bandwagon along with her peers. Perhaps feeling guilty for her past actions, Sophia became more violent in her punishments than even her husband. “She was not satisfied with simply doing well as he commanded; she seemed anxious to do better.” (Douglass 82) Sophia knew that she had created the ultimate monster in Douglass, according to whites, when she taught him to read. She takes out her feelings of guilt and betrayal of her society through whips and lashes upon her former pupil. Sophia knew that she had given power to a slave, just as Douglass realized the importance of what his mistress had done for him. “The first step had been taken. Mistress, in teaching me the alphabet, had given me the inch, and no precaution could prevent me from taking the ell.” (Douglass 82)

          In this day and age of media, technology, and communication, knowing one’s beliefs and values is extremely important. As the saying goes, “If you don’t know what you stand for, you’ll fall for anything.” Sophia Auld let her society tell her what was considered right and normal. Today, there are so many vessels of opinions vying for our attention. Advertisements, social networks, blogs, and so many others indoctrinate us in what to believe in. It is our job to know what we stand for, so that we don’t end up like Sophia Auld: guilty in her kindness and confused in her values.

Works Cited

Douglass, Frederick, and Houston A. Baker. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England: Penguin, 1982. Print.