Final answer:
Edward Covey is described as a ruthless slave-breaker and slave-driver in Frederick Douglass's narrative, known for his cunning surveillance and brutal discipline, which played a significant role in Douglass's resolve to pursue freedom.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edward Covey's position in Frederick Douglass's narrative is that of a notorious slave-breaker and slave-driver. Covey was infamous for his harsh and brutal methods of subjugating enslaved individuals, continually monitoring and punishing them to maintain control.
Douglass describes him as 'the snake' due to his stealth and deceitfulness in overseeing the slaves, often surprising them to ensure they were continuously working. Covey's punishment tactics and invasive supervision illustrate the cruelty and inhumanity of the institution of slavery, emphasizing the severe conditions that Douglass and other enslaved people endured. This contrasted sharply with Douglass's subsequent master, Mr. William Freeland, who, while still a slaveholder, exhibited some regard for honor and humanity, unlike Covey. Douglass's interactions with Covey also mark a significant turning point in his life, igniting his desire for freedom and his realization of self-worth.
The experiences recounted by Douglass with Covey highlight the systematic oppression of slavery and the personal struggle for dignity and liberation. Douglass's narrative not only depicts the physical abuse but also the psychological manipulation that slaveholders employed to maintain their power. His ability to persevere through such adversities demonstrates his incredible resilience and humanity.