what ways did slave master's exercise "total power" over their slaves?

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/teachers/lesson_plans/pdfs/unit4_5.pdf

To understand the ways slave masters exercised "total power" over their slaves, we can examine historical records, scholarly research, and narratives from enslaved individuals. Here's how you can explore this topic further:

1. Read historical accounts: Consult primary sources such as diaries, plantation records, and letters written by slave owners. These documents provide direct insights into the power dynamics between slave masters and slaves. Online archives and libraries specializing in slavery history can be valuable resources.

2. Study slave narratives: Explore firsthand accounts of enslaved people, often known as slave narratives. These autobiographical testimonies provide personal perspectives and experiences, highlighting the control and authority wielded by slave masters. Famous narratives include "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" and "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" by Harriet Jacobs.

3. Research scholarly books and articles: Numerous scholars have studied slavery extensively. Look for reputable books and academic articles that specifically examine power relations between slave masters and slaves. University libraries, online academic databases, and digital archives are excellent sources for accessing scholarly research.

4. Understand the legal framework: Study the laws and codes that supported slavery. Laws known as slave codes were enacted in many slaveholding regions, granting extensive power to slave masters. These codes regulated various aspects of enslaved individuals' lives, including punishment, labor, and movement restrictions.

5. Analyze the slave-master relationship: Look for analyses and interpretations by historians and experts in the field. This can enhance your understanding of the power dynamics underlying the slave-master relationship. Books like "The Half Has Never Been Told" by Edward E. Baptist and "The Slave Community" by John W. Blassingame provide valuable insights.

By employing these research strategies, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the ways slave masters exerted control and power over enslaved individuals. It is important to approach this topic with sensitivity and respect for the experiences of those who endured slavery.