Question

read this excerpt from narrative of the life of frederick douglass. thousands would escape... but for the strong cords of affection that bind them to their friends. what is the meaning of the figurative language in this passage? the love and friendship between enslaved people made the decision to attempt escape more difficult. despite all logic, enslaved people often felt as though slaveholders were their friends, which kept them from trying to escape. because slaveholders looked out for one another, an enslaved person who escaped was always in danger of being caught and returned to bondage. the friends and families of enslaved people often tried to prevent them from escaping.

Explanation:

The "strong cords of affection" are a metaphor for the love and friendship between enslaved people. This affection makes it hard for them to leave their friends behind when considering escape.

Answer:

The love and friendship between enslaved people made the decision to attempt escape more difficult.