Throughout each of the narratives we’ve read, all of them help to put in perspective the condition of slavery, but Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs, was able to delve deeper into that condition by giving a portrayal of life of someone who was not only a slave, but a black woman living under slavery. Her story had many turning points, upward struggles, downward spirals, and eventual triumphs, but her greatest triumph was over her master. Her first act of true defiance against the lecherous advances of her master, Dr. Flint was deciding to sacrifice the innocence he so desired and bear her first child. Through this choice, Jacobs is able to create an even deeper narrative that covers a broader scope for her intended audience.
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The little vine was taking deep root in my existence, though its clinging fondness excited a mixture of love and pain. When I was most sorely oppressed I found a solace in his smiles. I loved to watch his infant slumbers; but always there was a dark cloud over my enjoyment. I could never forget he was a slave” (Jacobs 44, Ch. XI) It was her children who ultimately caused Jacobs to make the choice to go into hiding until they could all be free. They helped her keep going through the many trials that followed after their birth and her choice of chasing after freedom, such as her years in the cell like room of her grandmother’s home where she was hidden, the constant threat of discovery, and the ever present “dark cloud” that loomed over her head that was the fact that her children were slaves and unless they were someday freed, they would suffer the same horrors she and many others around her …show more content…
She wrote her narrative using techniques, language, and appeals that would all work towards educating northern whites about the condition of slavery and why they should support its abolition. By utilizing the elements of the Cult of True Womanhood and combing with her writing style that mimicked that of the Romantic novels popular amongst her target audience, Jacobs was able to rather successfully create a narrative that gives an deep view into the life of a slave girl and all of the trials that came with being both a slave and a black
The little vine was taking deep root in my existence, though its clinging fondness excited a mixture of love and pain. When I was most sorely oppressed I found a solace in his smiles. I loved to watch his infant slumbers; but always there was a dark cloud over my enjoyment. I could never forget he was a slave” (Jacobs 44, Ch. XI) It was her children who ultimately caused Jacobs to make the choice to go into hiding until they could all be free. They helped her keep going through the many trials that followed after their birth and her choice of chasing after freedom, such as her years in the cell like room of her grandmother’s home where she was hidden, the constant threat of discovery, and the ever present “dark cloud” that loomed over her head that was the fact that her children were slaves and unless they were someday freed, they would suffer the same horrors she and many others around her …show more content…
She wrote her narrative using techniques, language, and appeals that would all work towards educating northern whites about the condition of slavery and why they should support its abolition. By utilizing the elements of the Cult of True Womanhood and combing with her writing style that mimicked that of the Romantic novels popular amongst her target audience, Jacobs was able to rather successfully create a narrative that gives an deep view into the life of a slave girl and all of the trials that came with being both a slave and a black