A Comparison Of Slavery In Emma And Twelve Years A Slave

Marriage and slavery are two seemingly different positions that have a surprising amount in common. Marriage is defined as “the legally or formally recognized union of a man and a woman as partners in a relationship” (source). Slavery is defined as “a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them.” (source). In theory marriage is a joint agreement, whereas slavery is not. However, both of these classifications have duties they “must” perform and neither is paid. These duties lead to damages inflicted on those involved. The books, Emma by Jane Austen, and Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup present and compare the topics of marriage and slavery. Emma is a story about a young woman lost and confused about the objections of marriage. Twelve Years a Slave is a story about a black man unable to prove his freedom, and becoming a slave as a result. A bond between people and the expected duties of those …show more content…
However, Anytime a marriage is not based on love and choice, it can be compared to slavery. Slavery and marriage are both the same in the aspect there is a superior figure. In both cases there is a figure telling the other what to do or what they have to do. Slavery is cruel and harsh with punishment. Marriage is a lonely road if there is not loved involved within the relationship.
Marriage can be considered a dehumanizing form of relation, according to Emma’s, Jane Austen. The practices that the wife has to go through essentially strips her from her own character and forms her into what someone else needs. Marriage is emotionally demanding and full of compromises. Compromises mean sacrificing what’s best for the individual. Household work can be physically demanding. Marriage without love can cause a woman to feel trapped. Similarly to slavery and how they are trapped. Each of these components can cause a woman to feel damaged and dehumanized in a