Mr. Covey entered the stable with a long rope; and just as I was half out of the loft, he caught hold of my legs, and was about tying me. As soon as I found what he was up to, I gave a sudden spring, and as I did so, he holding to my legs, I was brought sprawling on the stable floor. Mr. Covey seemed now to think he had me, and could do what he pleased; but at this moment-from whence came the spirit I don't know-I resolved to fight; and, suiting my action the resolution, I seized Covey hard by the throat, and as I did so, I rose. He held on to me, and I to him. ... He trembled like a leaf. ...We were at it for nearly two hours. Covey at length let me go, puffing and blowing at a great rate, saying that if I had not resisted, he would not have whipped me half so much. The truth was, that he had not whipped me at all. I considered him as getting entirely the worst end of the bargain; for he had drawn no blood from me, but I had from him_____________?

Correct answer: A. Fredrick Douglass

  • A. Fredrick Douglass
  • B. John Winthrop
  • C. Benjamin Frankin
  • D. William Apess

Explanation

This is Frederick Douglass's account of resisting the slave-breaker Edward Covey in his Narrative. The physical struggle marks a turning point in Douglass's recovery of courage and self-respect.

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Practise American Literature

222 free American Literature MCQs from English Literature, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

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