Why do you think Douglass inluded the incident of Sandy's offer of the root?

Douglass included the incident of Sandy's offer of the root to illustrate the intersection of superstition and resistance among enslaved people. It highlights how enslaved individuals sought to exert control over their lives and circumstances through cultural beliefs, using the root as a symbol of hope and agency. This moment also emphasizes the importance of community and shared beliefs in providing emotional support amidst the harsh realities of slavery. Ultimately, it showcases the resilience of enslaved people in their struggle for autonomy and dignity.