Analysis Of Harriet Jacobs Incidents In The Life Of A Slave Girl

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Reaction Paper #8 In Harriet Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Harriet gives the reader a glimpse into the life of slavery as she struggles towards freedom. As an educated slave, Harriet represents a minority among enslaved people in the south. Her ability to read and write not only gives her the means to understand her surroundings, but also fosters her intelligence and wit. Throughout the work, Harriet maintains a strong faith in God while she faces adversity. However, she is also able to apply a critical lens to southern, white church culture. Harriet is able to see through the hypocritical mirage of the southern white church as she recognizes multiple discrepancies in the ways Christianity is taught and valued in her town. White slaveholders attempt to use the bible as justification for slavery and to further oppress slaves.When Reverend Mr. Pike addresses the slaves, he attempts to encourage …show more content…
She argues, “There is a difference between Christianity and religion at the south. If a man goes to the communion table, and pays money into the treasury of the church, no matter if it be the price of blood, is called religion” (Jacobs 83). Harriet goes on the point out the ways the bible’s commandments in regards to adultery are strictly abided by within white relationships, but are disregarded when a white man sleeps with his female slave (83). She also notices her own master’s veil of “faith” as he remains cruel even after he takes communion. Dr. Flint affirms her conclusions when he regards his membership in the Episcopal church as a political choice. He says, “It was proper for me to do so. I am getting on in years, and my position in society requires it, and it puts an end to all the damned slang” (Jacobs 83). Harriet’s recognition of this reality allows for her own faith to become stronger as she differentiates real faith from that of the