Frederick Douglass was born a slave in Maryland during 1817. After an incident with a slave overseer, Mr. Covey, he realizes that true freedom comes from within. “It was a glorious resurrection, from the tomb of slavery, to the heaven of freedom.” Douglass never questioned his place in life. He was born into slavery and accepted things as they were.
It was only when Mr. Covey shows no mercy or compassion that Frederick Douglass takes the initiative to fight for what he knew was just. Mr. Covey, the average domineering male of the 1800’s, feels one day that he is in the position to brutally beat Douglass. Douglass was already physically exhausted and was in no condition to work in the fields.
“he then gave me a savage kick in the side, and told me to get up. I tried to do so, but fell back in the attempt. He gave me another kick, and again told me to get up. I again tried, and succeeded in gaining my feet; but, stooping to get the tub with which I was feeding the fan, I again staggered and fell.” A few days later Douglass has another encounter with Mr. Covey. “Mr.
Covey seemed now to think he had me, and could do what he please; but at this moment — from whence came this spirit I don’t know — I resolved to fight; and, suiting my action to the resolution, I seized Covey hard by the throat; and as I did so, I rose.” Frederick Douglass has not only risen physically but he has risen spiritually. It came to a point in douglass’ life that his manhood was tested. Douglass passed with flying colors. “This battle with Mr. Covey was the turning-point in my career as a slave.” Douglass has realized that he may be a slave in form but “the day had passed forever when I could be a slave in fact.” He has committed to working towards his beliefs and convictions all of his life. Douglass has conquered slavery, illiteracy, and dependence.
The Essay on Harriet Jacobs Douglass Frederick Slavery
... total callousness of slavery was only partially divulged in Frederick Douglass' experiences. In her book, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Harriet ... was sent to the "Negro-breaker" Edward Covey and had not been there three days before Covey gave him "a most brutal chastisement" ...
Douglass was in a position to excel and he simply took up the offer. True freedom comes from within.
