Douglass and Mr. Covey's Control Techniques

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Questions and Answers

Why does Mr. Covey whip Douglass the first time?

He spent most of the day struggling with the oxen; he broke a gate.

Why are the slaves so fearful of Mr. Covey? Why does their work go on in his absence?

They never know when he is going to sneak up on them. He likes to slither through the grass and catch them idle.

What does Douglass mean by 'Mr. Covey's forte (speciality) consisted in his power to deceive'?

He is a very religious man who is constantly worshiping and being a big paradox.

Why does Mr. Covey buy a slave to use as a breeder?

He doesn't have enough money to buy more slaves, so if he has one breeding slave, he can have as many slaves as she can give birth to. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Covey succeed in breaking Frederick?

His spirit became broken because of the tremendous amounts of work and the intense amount of whippings/discipline. Signup and view all the answers

How does Douglass succeed in again becoming a man?

He fought back when Mr. Covey started to beat him after returning from his absence, which brings back his determination to become free. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Douglass go to Master Thomas Auld?

He went to complain about Covey's treatment and to ask for a new master. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Douglass return to Mr. Covey? Who convinces him? What does Sandy Jenkins suggest that he do?

Master Thomas Auld makes him return. Sandy Jenkins convinces him to go back to Covey and gives him a root to prevent Douglass from being whipped. Signup and view all the answers

How does Douglass win the fight with Mr. Covey?

He didn't stop fighting and instead just kept throwing punches. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Douglass contend that Mr. Covey does not turn him in?

He didn't want to ruin his slave-breaking reputation. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the battle with Mr. Covey a turning point in Douglass's career as a slave?

Rekindled all his ideas of freedom; awarded by his little triumph. Signup and view all the answers

How are the holidays used to 'disgust the slave with freedom'?

They were only free to not work for six days a year basically and if they didn't go away and have fun it was considered ungrateful by their masters. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Douglass go after leaving Mr. Covey's on January 1, 1834?

Mr. William Freeland; not as religious slave master, nicer, gave them enough food and time to eat it. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Frederick decide to include Rev. Hopkins and Rev. Weeden, the two religious slaveholders?

That religious masters are the worst because they felt they needed to prove every single one of their beliefs with slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Why and where does Douglass begin a Sabbath school? Why is it essential that the slaves tell no one about it?

The house of a freed colored man; they didn't want to get in trouble with the white masters for learning to read. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Douglass decide to include Henry, John, Henry Bailey, and Charles in his plans for freedom? Why is it dangerous?

He wanted to include them and didn't want to go into freedom leaving them behind; dangerous because they could be punished as well. Signup and view all the answers

How do the slaves plan to run away?

They would get a canoe and sail through the Chesapeake until they get to the limits of Maryland. Signup and view all the answers

What are the protections written by Douglass?

They were notes that said the slaves were on Easter holiday and had permission to travel. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to their plan, and how do the protections nearly cause their deaths?

Someone sold them out; the protections would have sold them out completely. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to each of the slaves?

They were taken to jail and then all of them were taken out of jail except for Douglass. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Captain Thomas Auld intend to send Douglass after he got him out of jail?

To Alabama. Signup and view all the answers

When Douglass returns to Baltimore, what does he do?

Returns to live with Master Hugh to learn a trade; worked in the shipyard. Signup and view all the answers

Douglass again decides to fight when he is attacked. What happens to him? What does Master Hugh attempt to do for Douglass?

He fights back and the white men get angry; he flees away; Master Hugh goes to a lawyer to try and get the attackers arrested. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Douglass stop working for Mr. Gardner?

Master Hugh refused to let him go. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mr. Covey's Control Techniques

Mr. Covey whips Douglass for breaking a gate while struggling with oxen.
Slaves fear Mr. Covey due to his unpredictable sneak attacks; they work diligently in his absence to avoid punishment.
He masters deception, appearing religious while exploiting and abusing slaves, showcasing his hypocrisy.

Breeding Slaves

Mr. Covey purchases a breeding slave to increase his number of slaves without the financial burden of purchasing more.

Douglass's Spirit and Resistance

After enduring harsh work and beatings, Douglass feels his spirit breaking.
His fight against Mr. Covey reignites his determination for freedom, making it a pivotal moment in his life.

Seeking Help and Support

Douglass approaches Master Thomas Auld to complain about Covey's treatment in hopes of changing masters.
Convinced by Sandy Jenkins, he returns to Mr. Covey with a protective root meant to shield him from whipping.

Confrontation and Reputation

Douglass wins a physical confrontation with Mr. Covey by relentlessly fighting back.
Mr. Covey avoids reporting Douglass after the fight to maintain his reputation as a competent slave-breaker.

Impact of the Fight

The battle serves as a crucial turning point, reviving his aspirations for freedom and yielding a symbolic triumph.

Holidays and Constraints

Holidays serve to disillusion slaves about freedom, as they only receive limited time off and are pressured to feel grateful to their masters.

Transition to Mr. Freeland

Douglass moves to Mr. William Freeland, who is more benevolent compared to past masters, providing adequate food and time for meals.

Religious Hypocrisy

Douglass critiques religious slaveholders like Rev. Hopkins and Rev. Weeden, arguing they are the worst due to their justification of slavery through their beliefs.

Establishing a Sabbath School

Douglass initiates a Sabbath school at a freed man's house to teach reading to slaves, knowing it's essential to keep it secret to avoid punishment from white masters.

Collaborating for Freedom

He includes friends like Henry, John, Henry Bailey, and Charles in his freedom plans to ensure they aren't left behind, despite the risk of collective punishment.

Escape Plan

The escape plan involves using a canoe to sail through the Chesapeake, aiming to reach safety beyond Maryland’s borders.

Written Protections

Douglass fabricates notes claiming the slaves are on an Easter holiday to provide cover for their escape.

Betrayal and Consequences

The escape plan collapses after being sold out; written protections nearly expose them to capture.

Arrest and Aftermath

While captured, all slaves except Douglass are released; he faces potential transport to Alabama by Captain Thomas Auld.

Return and Learning

After his release, Douglass returns to Baltimore to live with Master Hugh and learns a trade, specifically working in a shipyard.

Defense and Reaction

Douglass fights back when attacked but faces backlash from white men in the area; Master Hugh attempts to intervene legally for his protection.

Termination of Employment

Douglass ceases working for Mr. Gardner due to Master Hugh's refusal to allow him to leave, highlighting the ongoing constraints faced by enslaved individuals.

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Description

Explore the complex relationship between Frederick Douglass and Mr. Covey, the slaveholder known for his harsh control techniques. This quiz delves into key moments of Douglass's struggle for freedom and resistance. Learn about the dynamics of power, fear, and resilience within the context of slavery.