Answer:
In both incidents, Douglass centers his reflection on the theme of manhood, a central concern for black men in antebellum America. In the first incident, Douglass recounts the brutal physical fight between himself and Covey, a notorious slavebreaker. Despite being beaten and bloodied, Douglass refuses to submit to Covey and instead fights back, ultimately establishing his authority and manhood. As he reflects on the experience, Douglass notes that he had never felt more like a man than he did after standing up to Covey.
In the second incident, Douglass meets with President Lincoln, becoming the first black man to be received as an official guest in the White House. Rather than focusing on the historical significance of the moment, Douglass again reflects on his own sense of manhood. He notes that meeting the president made him feel "as if I were more than a man" and suggests that this feeling comes from being recognized and respected by the leader of the country.
These incidents tell us that Douglass was acutely aware of the ways in which societal structures of power and oppression were tied to ideas of masculinity and manhood. For Douglass, being recognized as a man was not only a matter of individual pride, but also a way of resisting the dehumanization and oppression that was a daily reality for black Americans. In both instances, Douglass's reflection on his own manhood serves to highlight the importance of agency and self-determination in the struggle for liberation.
Step-by-step explanation: