The fight with Covey by Benard Boxill

Question 1

What was the result of the fight?

Answer 1

Douglass did not fight back for freedom but rather to stand up for himself. After the fight he was never whipped again and was able to take a piece of his autonomy back.

Question 2

What did Boxill think of Covey vs. Douglass

Answer 2

Covey- frightened by Douglass’ determination and recognized him as a human being for the fist time after the fight
Douglass- restored his moral self: the fight helped him restore his crushed self respect

Question 3

What were Boxill’s main claims?

Answer 3

Self-Respect is a reciprocal conception
The source of Douglass’ resistance was his moral principles- he would prefer dying to not living a life of moral principle