"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how in Harriet Jacobs' novel, "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl", the narrator takes several steps to assert her status as a person and to make a case against the dehumanization inherent in slavery. It looks at how the dehumanization of Jacobs' and other slaves in the novel is clearly shown through the sexual exploitation that they face and the separation of women and their children. Jacobs continually fights against this degradation and asserts herself as a person. It also discusses how ultimately, Jacobs is successful in obtaining her freedom through extraordinary perseverance and force of will.

From the Paper:

"Slavery soon became a harsh reality for Harriet. Slaves were owned by white masters and were to do exactly what was asked of them with no exceptions. Black slaves were not seen as humans but merely as property. Slavery for men and women was barbaric and inhumane, but for women, slavery had heart wrenching aspects. "Slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women" (Chapter 14). What she means by this is that women would have to see their children sold and separated as soon as they became profitable. She wanted to make sure that she and her children would not have to endure that fate."

More papers on "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl":

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• Analytical Essay # 89153 : "Harriet Jacobs' "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl"
• Book Review # 110994 : "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" and Major Themes"
• Book Review # 75582 : "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" and Womanhood"

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