"Celia: A Slave"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the patriarchal institution of slavery is the central inspiration of resistance that Celia must confront to gain her humanity and feminine identity in "Celia: A Slave" by Melton A. McLaurin. It looks at how Celia provides a heroic example of a woman that found a source of strength in her humanity and female identity to fight against her owner and rapist. By comparing Celia to other literary African-American heroines such as Harriet Jacobs and Eliza Harris, the paper attempts to shed some light on the ideology of resistance to the violent patriarchy of slavery.

From the Paper:

"The ramifications of Celia's role as a slave woman are defined early in the story, as Celia is raped by her master, John Newsom, after her initial purchase. Celia was essentially attacked and forced to fight for her life when this violent and deranged individual disavowed her rights, even under local law. However, many of the town's people did next to nothing to prevent these rapes against Celia, providing the source of resistance for her inevitable legal struggles to regain her feminine dignity and sovereignty in this patriarchal court system. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Jacobs, Harriet. "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl." 2006. Pagebypagebooks.com. 5 December, 2006. <http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Harriet_Jacobs/Incidents_in_the_Life_of_a_Slave_Girl/>
• McLauren, Melton A. Celia: A Slave. Atlanta: University of Georgia Press, 1991.
• Stowe, Harriet Beecher. "Uncle Tom's Cabin." 2006. Pagebypagebooks.com. 5 December, 2006. <http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Harriet_Jacobs/Incidents_in_the_Life_of_a_Slave_Girl/>

More papers on "Celia: A Slave":

• Book Review # 146316 : "Celia: A Slave" - Book Review"
• Analytical Essay # 131142 : "Female Strength in 'Celia: A Slave'"
• Book Review # 97097 : "Celia, A Slave"

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