Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

Kristina Montellano

November 1, 2010

 

Jacobs, Harriet. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.  Simon and Schuster Paperbacks. New York, NY: 2009.

 

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word slave? Is it discrimination? Servant? Stereotypes? Or is it all of the above? The answer is defined in this book as brutality and agreement. Slavery is something that was enforced with out any choice, and Jacobs reassures audiences that it is our right as humans to have the freedom of choice. It is also stated how abuse can come in any way shape or form. Jacobs is affected by it, severely.

Harriet Jacobs, also known as Linda Brenda in the novel, wrote down her experiences around 1861 when the climax of her freedom occurred. She mentions how this novel/reality story embodies a pseudonym. All of the names were taken out and replaced.

The book’s title is absolutely appropriate and reflects the true trials and tribulations spent by a slave. The title mentions the word “incidents” which can be interpreted as experiences, encounters, and happenings. All of which occurred.

            I believe that the author of this book (who is also the main character) touched on her gruesome experiences to enlighten us on her attributes of becoming a slave. Freedom was something that she strived for, but later on achieved through difficult work.

            The book was written so that we could put ourselves in Jacob’s shoes. This bibliography/novel was designed to inform us of her own personal issues, as well as her dignified escape and emancipation. I, myself, found the book to be very interesting. How can love really change everything and somewhat ease our tension? This is exactly what was portrayed as Jacobs recalls her first attraction to a man who was “off limits.” Being a slave, you have zero rights and restrictions. Not to mention you were entitled to your master or head mistress, no matter what the circumstances. You were one that didn’t matter or count, not to mention, your opinions were diminished.

            The intended audience whom Jacobs wants to reach out to would definitely be those who take interest in this type of field. Perhaps history/sociology majors. In a sense, I have observed that the book was very coherent and full of clarity. Because Jacobs wanted to change the names of all of the characters, this exercise was noted as non-fiction cryptic replacement. It is stated in the preface on how Jacobs wants to share her terrible tales, but she was apprehensive on how to write it. I do believe that the book was very well organized in that the chronological events were in order.

            The events started off with an introduction and then the chronology of Harriet Jacob’s life and work, following the historical context of the novel. The book then goes into her early childhood. The chapter explains briefly on Jacob’s innocent view on how she lived the dream in her early prime. The next few chapters jump to how she grows up. The novel mentions the new master and mistress to her, then, Jacob’s elaborates on holidays spent by slaves.

            The thesis is found in the title. How will the “slave girl” overcome these incidents, which God has given her? This is the big question asked throughout the book. The motive of the book would be that there is no good or even beneficial slaveholder. Deception is everywhere. Also when you strip us of our rights, our voice is muffled, indirectly, in that we do not have a choice to make a simple decision. Rather, it is forced, and we are morally distraught. The moral of the book, however, would be that Jacob’s wants to overcome her loss of freedom and escape. She also want to purchase her children back and have them set free as well.

            The book explains how, at times, she is torn between true love and force likings. Paradise and prison is one subtopic that can be analyzed. In the middle of the story, Jacob’s explains how she struggles to find her virtue. Womanhood should contain this, and this is what she urges to find and receive. Being submitted to men and mistreated at age 15 took toll on her, however, she managed to block the abuse out. This was her job. Who deserves to be mistreated on the job, anyways?

            When first picking up this book, I was surprisingly excited that I had the chance to read an autobiography about slaves. Reality tales tell a deeper story that is more graphic, yet, enticing, in that it really catches the reader’s eyes and mind. I also really enjoyed the short chapters. They were enough so that you could take in a lot of information and still remember it. Also the titles of the chapters really helped you understand what the author motives/thoughts were at that instance.

            One thing that I found wrong with the book, however, was that it was too concise. Jacob’s made it clear in the preface how she was not going to hold information back. I found that some incidents in the story jumped to conclusion way to fast. For instance in the chapter entitled “Lover,” Jacob’s writes how she was proposed to, and two sentences later, she was married. What exactly happened in between time? That, to me, was a very crucial event that should have been evaluated even more.

            I found a lot of other information helpful, however. As mentioned previously, the historical context of the novel mentions really important events in the 18^th century that was vital at this time. I also found it really helpful to read that before hand, for an easier understanding of the time period. Another part of the book that was accommodating was the introduction of the editor. If Jacob’s had not stated that she was changing the names, the book would be a little less interesting. Overall, I was very pleased with the book. It portrays a strong female in search of something, and giving up until she finds her voice and attains her and her children’s freedom.