In paragraph 2 of the selection, Douglass calls his mistress tiger like to emphasize how —
threatening she became when she decided to deny him an education
confused she was about whether to hate or enjoy being a slave owner
forceful she became when it came to caring for the hungry or needy
angry she was when she noticed her husband mistreating the slaves
Douglass calls his mistress tiger-like to emphasize how threatening she became when she decided to deny him an education. This comparison illustrates her ferocity and the danger she posed when she wielded the power to control his knowledge, which was a fundamental step in maintaining the institution of slavery. Douglass’s choice of words reflects the aggressive and predatory nature of her actions in denying him the opportunity to learn.
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