Why does Douglass come to believe in the superstition that the root has the power to protect him from beatings?

Frederick Douglass comes to believe in the superstition surrounding the root because of the influence of his fellow enslaved individuals, particularly Sandy Jenkins, who claims that carrying the root will protect him from physical harm. This belief provides Douglass with a sense of hope and empowerment amidst the brutality of slavery. The idea of the root serves as a psychological refuge, allowing him to feel a semblance of control over his fate, even if it is rooted in superstition. Ultimately, this experience highlights the deep psychological impact of enslavement and the ways in which enslaved people sought to resist their circumstances.