Chapter 4 Summary

At this point in his narrative, Douglass tells how the slaveholders were able to get away with just about anything in their mistreatment of the slaves, including murder. The Chapter begins with the less-onerous master, Mr. Hopkins, being replaced with the most-feared, heartless master, Austin Gore. Douglass makes the assumption that this change was due to the fact that Mr. Hopkins was not severe enough with the slaves.

Douglass describes Gore as being ruthless and violent in his punishment of the slaves. When he accuses a slave of something, the slave is not allowed to talk back, and is to be severely punished. If the slave is wrongfully accused, it's irrelevant to Gore. Gore is described as cold, heartless, and humorless, and he expects noting but strict and immediate obedience from a slave. Because of this, it is clear that he strikes fear...