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The Audience of a Slave Girl


The Audience of a Slave Girl
An examination of Harriet Jacobs' narrative "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" and how the author considered the audience when writing the novel.
1,802 words (approx. 7.2 pages) | 1 source | MLA | 2002 United States


Paper Summary:

This paper describes how Jacobs' novel describes her life as a slave in the South, while the narrative is specifically directed toward Northern white readers. It explains how the text is not just created to describe her life, it is also intended as a plea for help and understanding. The paper discusses how Jacobs created a narrative incorporating stereotypical assumptions and views, while effectively using them to force the Northern white reader into responding in the way she intends.

From the Paper:

"Jacobs opens her narrative by describing her parents and grandparents. In doing this, she ensures that they are presented in such a way that the Northern reader would judge them to be good people. This is important to the meaning of the text, since Jacobs needs the readers to believe that slaves like her deserve something better. The way Jacobs describes her parents offers an insight into what Northern people would consider a respectable person. Jacobs introduces her father saying, My father was a carpenter, and considered so intelligent and skillful in his trade, that, when buildings out of the common line were to be erected, he was sent for from long distances, to be head workman (Jacobs 430). This description emphasizes that her father was considered valuable to society in general. He was not merely a hard worker, he was so capable and skillful that he was desired for his abilities. This suggests that the Northern people value men for what skills they can offer to society as a whole, with the worth of a man determined by what he can contribute."

Cite this paper

APA Citation:

The Audience of a Slave Girl (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Analytical-Essay-The-Audience-of-a-Slave-Girl/30072

MLA Citation:

"The Audience of a Slave Girl" 15 January 2012. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. <http://www.academon.com/Analytical-Essay-The-Audience-of-a-Slave-Girl/30072>




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