Slavery and Control in Douglass's Narrative

Frederick Douglass recounts his time with Covey, a brutal slaveholder known for his cunning and deception. Douglass describes the harsh conditions, including severe whippings and dangerous tasks like handling unbroken oxen. Covey's religious hypocrisy and exploitation of a female slave, Caroline, are highlighted. Despite the despair, Douglass finds moments of hope and dreams of freedom, contemplating escape from slavery.

What was Frederick Douglass's initial experience as a field hand under Covey?

• He was awkward and received severe whippings.

• He found it easy and enjoyable.

• He was given a leadership role.

• He was praised for his hard work.

What task was Douglass assigned that led to a dangerous incident?

• Plowing the fields

• Driving unbroken oxen to get wood

• Harvesting crops

• Repairing a fence

How did Douglass narrowly escape death during the incident with the oxen?

• The cart overturned but he was unharmed.

• He was saved by another slave.

• Covey intervened to save him.

• He managed to control the oxen in time.

What was Covey's method of maintaining control over the slaves?

• He openly threatened them daily.

• He used surprise and deception.

• He allowed them to rest frequently.

• He offered them rewards for hard work.

Why did the slaves refer to Covey as 'the snake'?

• He had a pet snake.

• He was very quiet and rarely spoke.

• He often crawled on the ground to surprise them.

• He was known for his quick temper.

What was Covey's attitude towards religion?

• He was a devout and sincere worshiper.

• He used religion to justify his actions.

• He openly criticized religious beliefs.

• He was indifferent to religious practices.

How did Covey exploit the female slave Caroline?

• He forced her to work extra hours.

• He used her as a breeder to increase his wealth.

• He sold her to another plantation.

• He treated her as a house servant.

What psychological impact did slavery have on Douglass?

• It had no significant impact on him.

• It motivated him to work harder.

• It broke his spirit and crushed his intellect.

• It made him more resilient and hopeful.

What did Douglass often do on Sundays?

• He reflected on his condition and longed for freedom.

• He worked in the fields.

• He spent time with his family.

• He attended church services.

What did Douglass contemplate as a means to escape his condition?

• Running away to the north

• Appealing to Covey for better treatment

• Writing a letter to the authorities

• Starting a rebellion