A look at the functions and symbolism of the river motif in Harriet Jacobs? "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl?.
Written in 2002; 1,704 words; 0 sources; $ 55.95
Paper Summary:
This paper examines the three functions of the river motif in this novel. The first motif discussed is that because the river is constantly flowing and moving, it is an apt symbol of transportation - this can be physical transportation or metaphorical transportation. Another key meaning of the river is life, death, and rebirth. The final function discussed is the river as a state of limbo.
From the Paper:
"The river is a perfect symbol for a place of movement in a narrative about slavery and escape from slavery. The river is a flowing, constantly moving, ever-changing body of water. It is more powerful as an image than any other body of water because of this quality of movement. The water is never in the same place twice in a river, and therefore Harriet Jacobs uses the river appropriately as a symbol of physical transportation and of symbolic transportation. The waters of the river flow, mimicking the flow and movement of time. Linda and the other slaves have a unique concept of time, because as slaves their time means nothing to them. They are captives, treated as chattel, and their lives are meaningless without the state of freedom. The river symbolizes movement away from this stagnant state of being. The river, implying a passage of time, offers hope to Linda and the other slaves that time will be on their side."
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