Harriet Tubman Research Paper

Great Essays
Imagine a world where the power of words becomes a weapon against oppression, where a single voice can spark a revolution and inspire generations to come. Celebrated in history as the 'Moses of her people,' Harriet Tubman's life embodies the remarkable journey of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Born into the shackles of slavery, Tubman's early years were marked by hardship and oppression. Yet, amidst the darkness of bondage, she found solace and strength in her unwavering faith. A devout believer in Christianity, Tubman's spirituality served as a guiding force in her quest for freedom. Raised in the Methodist Church, she absorbed the teachings of love, compassion, and justice, discovering in them …show more content…
Firstly, while Tubman is widely celebrated for her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and her daring efforts to lead enslaved individuals to freedom, her contributions as a speaker and advocate have often been marginalized or overlooked. The emphasis on Tubman's physical acts of resistance, such as her perilous journeys through hostile territory, has overshadowed her equally significant role as a persuasive communicator and leader within the abolitionist movement. Additionally, the lack of formal education and documentation of Tubman's speeches presents a challenge in evaluating her rhetorical prowess and influence. Unlike her contemporary male counterparts, such as Frederick Douglass, whose speeches and writings were extensively recorded and analyzed, Tubman's oratory has largely been transmitted through oral tradition and anecdotal accounts, making it more difficult to assess her impact as a Black orator. The institution of slavery profoundly shaped African American activism and oratory during Tubman's time. Enslaved individuals faced systemic oppression and violence, yet many found ways to resist through acts of rebellion, escape, and advocacy. Oratory emerged as a powerful tool for expressing dissent, rallying support, and challenging the legitimacy of slavery. African American activists, including …show more content…
However, that is exactly what Tubman did. She has such faith in her religious belief’s that God would see her through to the land of the free. The first requirement of an orator is the ability to convince a sinner to change their ways, to “escape” and to guide her neighbors with the love of God. This classification has been met through Tubman’s ability to convince other African American individuals to trust and follow her north to freedom. To gain their trust Harriet had to emphasise the tortured treatment endured by slaves as a sin as well as it was a sin for the slavers to inflict such horrifying acts upon humankind according to the Methodist religion. Upon establishing the understanding that it is God’s will to turn away from sin, the “escape” may not have burst forth in a shout of Amen, however, it did allow for hope to shine in the eyes and hearts of African Americans who were still bound to slavery. Furthermore, Tubman prayed fervently and daily for the Lord to navigate a successful path to salvation. Leading into the second classification of subject matter which is related to how the Bible brings forth the best life. Using the Bible as a resource in which to live, it is easy for Tubman to argue the Bible tells Moses to lead his people to the Promised Land. Thus, creating the

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    Do you know who Harriet Tubman is? She gave slaves freedom. She rescued her family, and many people she didn’t know. Most people know her for her work on the underground railroad. The Underground Railroad is a secret system of safe-houses created to help abolitionists. It made it easier to get the slaves safely to the north, where they were against slavery. Harriet was born in Dorchester County, Maryland in 1820. She was first named Araminta Harriet Ross. When she was younger she was tagged with…

    • 541 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Harriet Tubman was a brave woman who escaped from slavery and helped many others to do the same. She was also a nurse, a spy, and a suffrage activist. Harriet Tubman was born on March 6, 1822. Thesis statement: She was one of 11 children of Harriet and Benjamin Ross born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland. Harriet Tubman's name at birth was Araminta Ross. As a child, Ross was "hired out" by her master as a nursemaid for a small baby, much like the nursemaid in the picture. Support thesis:…

    • 448 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The Many Great Achievements of Harriet Tubman “I would fight for my liberty so long as my strength lasted, and if the time came for me to go, the Lord would let them take me” (Harriet Tubman Quotes). This famous quote demonstrates the drive and passion Harriet Tubman had for the life she led. According to the article “What Was Harriet Tubman’s Greatest Achievement?”, from the beginning Tubman was put into the workforce. She was brought out to take care of children at only 5 years old. She feared…

    • 1011 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays