Slavery In Gary Paulsen's Nightjohn

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The reality of slavery is truly a horrific and dreadful experience. In the novel Nightjohn, the author explains the truth behind slavery and what tragedy that took place at the time. Although Gary Paulsen’s novel, Nightjohn, is considered historical fiction, the descriptions of brutal punishments, harsh restrictions, and broken family structures can be corroborated with multiple sources.
The ferocious punishments displayed in Nightjohn can be historically corroborated with various sources. In this short novel, brutal punishments are shown throughout the story, numerous ways. In the article “Twelve Years A Slave” by Solomon Northup, he mentions, “...expected to feel their long teeth sinking into my flesh...they would tear me to pieces…” …show more content…
The novel showcases a series of events that reveals how cruel their restrictions can be. Based on an Excerpt from a Narrative of Frederick Douglass, the slaves had limitations that were unjust. He states, “I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing it...I was not allowed to make any inquires of my master concerning it.” This unfair restriction causes those enslaved have their master not provide them of any sort of information about their own self. Like in Nightjohn, Sarny also had no knowledge of her age and would not be told. The ‘masters’ want to keep their slaves of thus ignorant so they keep their records contained, away from them. In another Excerpt from Heather Andrea Williams, she also explains restrictions of slaves. She states, “...slaves would slip out of their quarters at night and go to these pits, and someone who had some learning would have a school.” This immoral limitation have slaves restricted to the act of learning. Pit schools are built for slaves to learn in secrecy. Nightjohn also had pit schools built due to their lack of knowledge and restriction to schools. Sarny sneaks out to them to further her understanding of reading and writing. Unjust restrictions in Nightjohn relates to other reliable
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