Douglass 1

From what Douglass has learned of being enslaved is that those who are whipped, are those who allow themselves to be whipped. A slave who defends themselves against the slave master may suffer immediately but in the end will be left alone. One who allows themselves to beat without reaction, will continue to be beat. Douglass later learns from this. For six months Douglass' slave master, Covey beat and tortured him without remorse. Douglass has a breaking point and battles Covey for several hours in a one on one fight. After that day and for the next 6 months Covey lays not a finger on Douglass. This is Douglass' not only greatest step into manhood, but also in establishing himself as an independent free man.