Summary of the Fires of Jubilee
Oates presents a thorough study that is an accurate portrayal of a mysterious man who lived during a defining moment in American history. The author starts by giving a comprehensive biography of Turner and makes a real effort to show what can lead a man to commit the controversial actions he did. Of interest is that Turner believed that he was ordained by God to free slaves from bondage through a violent uprising. Thus Turner invoked select passages of the Bible to justify the killing of women, men and children (Oates, 14). Specifically, in 1831, the insurgents led by Nat went on the rampage from one farm to another in Virginia slaughtering tens of whites using axes and other weapons and in some cases decapitating children (Oates, 3). However, the insurgency was pacified soon by state militia and federal troops. In retaliation, the white vigilantes responded by maiming and killing blacks, the majority of who were innocent (Oates, 99).
The other side of Turner is captured when he chose to spare the lives of some whites such as the family of his childhood playmate, a slave-owning family (Oates, 76). Turner also spared the lives of a certain poor white family whom he noted was no different …show more content…
The foreword hooked me. Through the eyes of Oates, the story of Turner is riveting, and I have read the book more than four times now. Notably, Oates way of writing seems to transform the reader into the actual revolt and allows one to empathize the circumstances at the time. The author scores in systematically presenting the setting of the story as well as the twists and turns. The Fires of Jubilee is a must read for anyone with a keen interest in American history as it takes the audience back in time. Oates scores for using language and style that is easy to read and