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?
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How does Mr. Covey succeed in breaking Frederick?
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How does Douglass succeed in again becoming a man?
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Why does Douglass go to Master Thomas Auld?
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Why does Douglass return to Mr. Covey? Who convinces him? What does Sandy Jenkins suggest that he do?
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How does Douglass win the fight with Mr. Covey?
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Why does Douglass contend that Mr. Covey does not turn him in?
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Why is the battle with Mr. Covey a turning point in Douglass's career as a slave?
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How are the holidays used to 'disgust the slave with freedom'?
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Where does Douglass go after leaving Mr. Covey's on January 1, 1834?
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Why does Frederick decide to include Rev. Hopkins and Rev. Weeden, the two religious slaveholders?
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Why and where does Douglass begin a Sabbath school? Why is it essential that the slaves tell no one about it?
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Why does Douglass decide to include Henry, John, Henry Bailey, and Charles in his plans for freedom? Why is it dangerous?
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How do the slaves plan to run away?
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What are the protections written by Douglass?
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What happens to their plan, and how do the protections nearly cause their deaths?
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What happens to each of the slaves?
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Where did Captain Thomas Auld intend to send Douglass after he got him out of jail?
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When Douglass returns to Baltimore, what does he do?
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Douglass again decides to fight when he is attacked. What happens to him? What does Master Hugh attempt to do for Douglass?
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Why does Douglass stop working for Mr. Gardner?
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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.