The battle with mr covey summary. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave 2019-02-09

SparkNotes: Complete Text of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: Chapter 10

In 1835, Douglass began to think seriously about escaping. As Douglass grew into manhood he knew that slavery was not the condition in which he wished to remain. The publication of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass opened several doors, not only for Douglass's ambitious work, but also for the anti-slavery movement of that time. One thing that made Covey different was that he worked with his hands and was quite skilled at it. Henry, John, and Douglass were placed in a jail cell together, apart from Charles and Henry Bailey. She is so often mistreated that she is known as 'pecked' rather than by her name.

The character of Edward Covey in The Narrative of Frederick Douglass from LitCharts

He would occasionally say, he didn't want to get hold of me again. I began, with the commencement of the year, to prepare myself for a final struggle, which should decide my fate one way or the other. Covey soon called out to Hughes for help. We were often in the field from the first approach of day till its last lingering ray had left us; and at saving-fodder time, midnight often caught us in the field binding blades. There was no one in the kitchen but myself and John. Obviously this event has been embellished and inflated for the readers of his book; he would not have stood at the prow of the ship and uttered such words.

What Is Battle With Mr.

He was a hard-working man. They mostly have to hide this from their masters, who would prefer that they spend their Sundays drinking or getting into trouble. On the other hand, away back in the dim distance, under the flickering light of the north star, behind some craggy hill or snow-covered mountain, stood a doubtful freedom—half frozen—beckoning us to come and share its hospitality. To show himself independent of me, he would start and stagger through with his hymn in the most discordant manner. They had been shut up in mental darkness. Meanwhile, I will try to bear up under the yoke.

Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass

This act of resistance facilitated Douglass's growing sense of self. When I could get no calking to do, I did nothing. Michael's, Douglass is sent back to Hugh. Henry nor John would never have thought of such a thing. We were stung by scorpions, chased by wild beasts, bitten by snakes, and finally, after having nearly reached the desired spot,—after swimming rivers, encountering wild beasts, sleeping in the woods, suffering hunger and nakedness,—we were overtaken by our pursuers, and, in our resistance, we were shot dead upon the spot! After an unsuccessful escape attempt at St.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

However, while he was with Covey he typified the experience of many slaves. Although Thomas didn't believe Douglass' story and sent him back to Covey in the morning, he did allow him to stay for the night. I, however, watched my chance, while Covey was looking in an opposite direction, and started for St. I look back to those Sundays with an amount of pleasure not to be ex- pressed. American culture does link literacy to power and inclusivity, and in order to be part of the dominant culture, an African American would have to shun his own vernacular traditions and adopt the approved forms. If this incident never occurred, Douglas may have never gained the strength to make himself a free man. They were noble souls; they not only possessed loving hearts, but brave ones.

Chapter X

After a long spell of effort, I succeeded in getting my cart righted, my oxen disentangled, and again yoked to the cart. After a two-hour long physical battle, Douglass ultimately conquers Covey. Get caught, or get clear, I'll try it. The group was arrested, and, to Douglass' surprise, Thomas Auld came to the jail and arranged for Douglass' release. O that I were free! For of all slaveholders with whom I have ever met, religious slaveholders are the worst.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Chapter 10 Summary

I am not the only slave in the world. When Douglass first arrives in Baltimore, Mr. Does he, while ploughing, break a plough,—or, while hoeing, break a hoe? Two of his white servants come when Covey calls, but neither wants to help him subdue Douglass. Sandy had a free wife who lived about four miles from Mr. The two slaveholders were quite different; Freeland was not as rich, but he had no pretense to religion, did not possess degrading vices, and was not cowardly or cruel. Master Thomas listened to him, but did not believe that Covey was capable of evil and would not kill Douglass. Owners need holidays, too, for they can't spend all year managing and overseeing slaves.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Quotes and Analysis

Covey would be out with us. Douglass remembers Freeland as the best master he ever had. Douglass remained a slave of Mr. Covey sent me, very early in the morning of one of our coldest days in the month of January, to the woods, to get a load of wood. Does he ever venture to suggest a different mode of doing things from that pointed out by his master? Sandy advised him to carry a certain root on his right side, an act which would make it impossible for any white man to harm him. This kick fairly sickened Hughes, so that he left me in the hands of Mr.