The essay discusses Frederick Douglass's motivations for escaping slavery. At sixteen years old, Douglass was sent to work under Edward Covey, a slave breaker known for his brutal methods of breaking rebellious slaves. Covey subjected Douglass to physical and psychological abuse, but one day, Douglass fought back, which was a crucial moment in his life as a slave. It gave him a renewed self-confidence and a determination to be free. This event was significant not only for Douglass personally but also as a symbol of the broader struggle for freedom and equality. It highlighted that enslaved people were not passive victims of slavery but could resist their oppressors in various ways.

Second Event

Under the management of Mr. Freeland, Douglass found himself working in a relatively humane and fair environment. However, this experience fueled his desire for complete freedom. He and some other slaves planned to escape, but they were caught and arrested. Despite the failure of their plan, it solidified Douglass's resolve to escape slavery and live as a free man. This event reminds us that even in the face of oppression and injustice, there are still individuals capable of treating others with kindness and respect. It emphasizes the need to recognize the humanity of all people and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.

Third Event

Douglass's experience of being treated as property and denied fundamental human rights fueled his desire for freedom. His improved financial condition as a calker allowed him to earn more money and save up to escape slavery eventually. Being able to think more clearly about his situation intensified his desire for freedom, as he realized that he had no control over his life or future and that his master could compel him to do whatever he wanted.

How Slavery Corrupted White People

The essay also discusses how slavery corrupted white people, with the first event being that the slave breaker Edward Covey, who subjected Douglass to brutal physical and psychological abuse, was a white man. This highlights how the institution of slavery not only dehumanized enslaved people but also corrupted those who participated in it. The power dynamics between enslavers and enslaved individuals reinforced inhumanity, violence, and oppression.

The second experience that Douglass shares in his book describes his time working for Mr. Covey, a notorious "negro-breaker" who was known for using harsh tactics to break the spirits of enslaved individuals. Mr. Covey's behavior serves as evidence of the deeply ingrained racism and oppression present in American society during that time. The fact that someone could make a living off of breaking the spirits of human beings is a testament to the cruelty and inhumanity of slavery.

Douglass's account depicts Mr. Covey as employing both physical violence and psychological manipulation to maintain his power over the people he enslaved. This highlights the corrupting nature of slavery not just for those who were enslaved but also for those who held power over them. It underscores the idea that people were willing to use any means necessary to retain their dominance over others.

The third experience that Douglass shares is about his time working in a shipyard under the control of about seventy-five men who treated him like a servant. Douglass had no control over his time or labor and was expected to do whatever the carpenters commanded. This event underscores the dehumanizing nature of slavery, which often treated individuals as property rather than human beings with autonomy and agency.

Moreover, Douglass's experience in the shipyard highlights the fact that slavery was not confined to Southern plantations. Rather, it affected every aspect of life for enslaved individuals, even in industries like shipbuilding in the North. Overall, these experiences serve as a stark reminder of the cruelty and inhumanity of slavery and the importance of recognizing the humanity of all people, regardless of race or social status.