“The more my mind had become enlightened, the more difficult it was for me to consider myself an article of property” (Harriet Jacobs, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,” 612).
Choose ONE of the slave narratives we have read in this term, written by either a male or female author. Discuss the author’s journey to freedom and the ways in which they insisted on their own humanity and dignity even while enslaved. Use at least one of the articles by Barbara Bush, Brenda Stevenson, or G.K. Lewis to help you theorize the slave narrator’s resistance and practices of survival.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: The Journey to Freedom: Asserting Humanity and Dignity in Harriet Jacobs’ “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl”
Introduction:
Harriet Jacobs’ powerful narrative, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,” provides a firsthand account of the journey to freedom and the relentless pursuit of humanity and dignity amidst the horrors of slavery. Jacobs, a female author, defied the dehumanizing institution of slavery through her resistance and survival strategies. Drawing upon the insights of Barbara Bush, Brenda Stevenson, and G.K. Lewis, this essay will explore the ways in which Jacobs insisted on her own humanity and dignity while enslaved.
Insisting on Humanity and Dignity:
Harriet Jacobs’ narrative reveals her unwavering determination to assert her humanity and dignity throughout her enslavement. Despite being considered property, Jacobs refused to accept this status and actively pursued her liberation. Her resistance took various forms, including education, maintaining personal relationships, and ultimately escaping to freedom.
Education as Empowerment:
Jacobs understood that education was a crucial tool in challenging the dehumanizing nature of slavery. She seized every opportunity to learn, even if it meant facing severe consequences. By acquiring literacy skills, Jacobs gained agency and a means to articulate her experiences as a slave. Education allowed her to reclaim her voice and assert her humanity, effectively challenging the narrative that enslaved individuals were intellectually inferior.
Maintaining Personal Relationships:
Another aspect of Jacobs’ resistance was her insistence on maintaining personal relationships despite the oppressive conditions of slavery. She formed deep emotional connections with her family members and pursued intimate relationships, including a consensual romantic relationship with a white man. These relationships served as a source of emotional support, reinforcing her sense of self-worth and reminding her of her inherent humanity, even in the face of brutal dehumanization.
Escaping to Freedom:
Jacobs’ ultimate act of resistance was her daring escape from slavery. Recognizing that her situation was untenable, she devised a plan to flee and sought refuge in a small attic space for seven years. During this time, she endured extreme physical discomfort and isolation but remained steadfast in her pursuit of freedom. Her escape was a testament to her unwavering commitment to asserting her humanity and regaining control over her own life.
Theorizing Resistance and Survival:
Barbara Bush’s article emphasizes the significance of self-emancipation narratives like Jacobs’ in challenging dominant narratives about enslaved individuals. By sharing their stories, slave narrators reclaimed their agency and challenged the dehumanizing portrayals of enslaved individuals perpetuated by white society.
Brenda Stevenson’s work highlights the importance of community support in enabling survival and resistance among enslaved individuals. Jacobs’ connections with family members and other sympathetic individuals provided emotional strength and practical assistance during her escape.
G.K. Lewis’ analysis of slave narratives emphasizes the role of religion as a source of strength and resistance for enslaved individuals. Although not explicitly discussed in Jacobs’ narrative, it is likely that religious faith played a significant role in sustaining her throughout her enslavement and escape.
Conclusion:
Harriet Jacobs’ “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” exemplifies the unwavering spirit of resistance and the insistence on humanity and dignity among enslaved individuals. By asserting her agency through education, maintaining personal relationships, and ultimately escaping to freedom, Jacobs challenged the dehumanizing institution of slavery. Through the theoretical perspectives provided by Barbara Bush, Brenda Stevenson, and G.K. Lewis, we gain deeper insights into the multifaceted nature of Jacobs’ resistance and survival strategies. Her narrative continues to serve as a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of oppression.
