Harriet Jacobs

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The autobiographies of ex-slaves accounted for during the 18th century have provided readers a unique glimpse into the hardships endured by slave individuals. With the absence of freedom in law and society for black people, the pen around that time became one of the few liberating instruments put to use in which they were able to express themselves. Harriet Jacobs, one of the few ex-slave writers to take advantage of this, wrote a book depicting the struggles and sexual abuse faced on the plantations particularly towards enslaved women. The book written sheds light on the journey of turmoil and self-sacrifice including the mishaps and decisions made by Harriet Jacobs, and how all this ultimately led to her freedom.
“Incidents in the Life of …show more content…
Her purpose of sharing this profound experience was not intended “to attract attention to myself; on the contrary, it would have been more pleasant to me to have been silent about my own history. Neither do I care to excite sympathy for my own sufferings. But I do earnestly desire to arouse the women of the North to a realizing sense of the condition of two millions of women at the South, still in bondage, suffering what I suffered, and most of them far worse. I want to add my testimony to that of abler pens to convince the people of the Free States what Slavery really is.” (Jacobs …show more content…
The treatment of slaves in the United States varied by time and place, it depended on the sternness of the master/mistress and what he/she believed to be fit. Whipping, execution, and sexual abuse of women were common. In Jacobs case, Dr. Flint attempts to have her submit to his sexual advances and constantly reminds her that she is His; he writes her letters, calls upon her frequently, and wishes to relocate her to a private cottage, so he can have her all to himself. “Only let me arrange matters in my own way. Poor, foolish girl! you don't know what is for your own good. I would cherish you. I would make a lady of you.” (Jacobs 56) Jacobs resents this man and wishes to be free from his jurisdiction. In an attempt to do that, she begins a consensual relationship with Mr. Sands. “I knew nothing would enrage Dr. Flint so much as to know that I favored another; and it was something to triumph over my tyrant even in that small way. I thought he would revenge himself by selling me, and I was sure my friend, Mr. Sands, would buy me.” (Jacobs 85) It turns out her decision affected her socially because she was now subject to disappointment and verbal abuse; it challenged her emotionally and physically, for it brought upon regret and the pain of child bearing. This didn’t allow her to ignore the slave duties and the wrath of her master
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