After the valuation, then came the division. I have no language to express the high excitement and deep anxiety which were felt among us poor slaves during this time. Our fate for life was now to be decided. We had no more voice in that decision than the brutes among whom we were ranked. A single word from the white men was enough--against all our wishes, prayers, and entreaties--to sunder forever the dearest friends, dearest kindred, and strongest ties known to human beings.
Douglass’s purpose in this excerpt is to
A. entertain the reader with a suspenseful story.
B. explain the difference between “valuation” and “division.”
C. argue that no one else can understand his pain.
D. inform the reader about the cruelty of slavery.
From looking at this its most likely D,
But your username scares me.
it is d ithink
D. inform the reader about the cruelty of slavery.
D. inform the reader about the cruelty of slavery.
Douglass's purpose in this excerpt is to inform the reader about the harsh reality of slavery and the emotional toll it takes on enslaved individuals. He expresses the high excitement and deep anxiety felt by the slaves during the process of valuation and division, where their fate for life is determined. He emphasizes the lack of agency and voice they have in this decision, as they are treated like brutes and their wishes, prayers, and entreaties are disregarded. By describing the sundering of friendships, kinship, and strong ties, Douglass aims to convey the profound suffering and injustice experienced by slaves.