Literature

“I want to add my testimony to that of abler pens to convince the people of the Free States what Slavery really is. Only by experience can anyone realize how deep, and dark, and foul is that pit of abominations”-Incidents in the life of a slave girl

Incidents in the life of a slave girl is a vivid work of art. You feel the writer’s pain, anguish, frustration, hatred, depression and sorrows. This is just naming a few of the feelings that pop out of this literature. You are engrossed at how her life lies in front of you bare and exposed and in such horrific ways. This emotionally packed narrative takes us down memory lane of a young woman, or rather a child stripped of her innocence. The authors gives vivid imagery that helps us the reader transport to that time and place and feel the anguish that is being portrayed. From a happy beginning to an existence full of uncertainties this courageous woman was able to get her message across, giving us a glimpse of what it was like to be enslaved.“O, what days and nights of fear and sorrow that man caused me! Reader, it is not to awaken sympathy for myself that I am telling you truthfully what I suffered in slavery” (Jacobs 1861 pg.47)

In the beginning of the story we are introduced to a young girl who is oblivious to the fact that she has been born in a time of slavery “ I never dreamed I was a piece of merchandise, trusted to them for safe keeping, and liable to be demanded of them at any moment.” (Jacobs 1861 pg. 12) A simple phrase that already makes us the reader feel a sense of sorrow for this child. As the story unfolds we see how her life isn’t doomed by sadness and despair in the beginning, as she was given opportunities that many didn’t haven’t therefore making her a valuable slave. “But as she grew older she evinced so much intelligence, and was so faithful, that her master and mistress could not help seeing it was for their interest to take care of such a valuable piece of property. (Jacobs 1861 pg.12) this was both a gift and a curse for her as she was desired by many as if she were an object, which at that time would be accurate.

Unlike many slaves “Linda” endured much less physical abuse then that of a regular slave. Her beginning was a pleasant one as she was taught to read and write something that few slaves were allowed to do. However, there were other acts that truly ruptured this young woman’s soul. Early on we learn about the painful ordeal of selling humans as if they were objects, with no feelings or self worth. But selling wasn’t the only way slaves were belittled in existence “my mother had been weaned at three months old, that the babe of the mistress might obtain sufficient food.” (Jacobs 1861 pg.14) taking away from their own to give to the off springs of their masters with little objection to be made. But it is soon evident that being slave never held any positive promises even if one was held by a courteous master who treated you more like a person than property. This was evident when Linda’s father passed away and she was not allowed to be by his side instead forced to do chores and restrain the pain of losing a loved one. “while the dead body of my father was lying within a mile of me. What cared my owners for that? he was merely a piece of property”. (Jacobs 1861 pg.19)

But this story took true form when our

...