One of the darkest moments in American history is that of the lives of slaves. They were treated very unfairly, abused, and overall not viewed as humans. The life of a slave is described in the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an autobiography by Frederick Douglass. In this narrative, he tells the story of his life. He is a very poorly treated slave who is commonly abused by his master Mr. Covey. The beatings that Douglass receives grow greater to the point where he can barely take them anymore. Douglass has a choice to make, he can either stay, do nothing, and most likely die soon; or he can fight back. This is where he makes the most important realization in his life. Frederick Douglass, author of the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
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In the chapter in which he battles Mr. Covey, his owner, Douglass demonstrates that in his desperation he can overtake those more powerful than him. At this point, Mr. Covey is attempting to tie him up when Douglass catches onto his plan and decides to fight back. He manages to kick one of Covey’s men hard enough for the effect to stun the master. Douglass’ master then asks him if he would continue with his rebelliousness to which he replied, “come what might; that he had used me like a brute for six months, and that (he) was determined to be used so no longer” (Douglass 402). In desperation, Douglass did the unthinkable; he stood up to his master. The significance of this can not be underestimated, for the mere act of rebellion would surely end any slave’s life. His risk in doing this was immense, however, his gamble did end up repaying itself. Later in that chapter, Douglass battles Mr. Covey and manages to
In the chapter in which he battles Mr. Covey, his owner, Douglass demonstrates that in his desperation he can overtake those more powerful than him. At this point, Mr. Covey is attempting to tie him up when Douglass catches onto his plan and decides to fight back. He manages to kick one of Covey’s men hard enough for the effect to stun the master. Douglass’ master then asks him if he would continue with his rebelliousness to which he replied, “come what might; that he had used me like a brute for six months, and that (he) was determined to be used so no longer” (Douglass 402). In desperation, Douglass did the unthinkable; he stood up to his master. The significance of this can not be underestimated, for the mere act of rebellion would surely end any slave’s life. His risk in doing this was immense, however, his gamble did end up repaying itself. Later in that chapter, Douglass battles Mr. Covey and manages to