Abolitionist Poetry

Both John Greenleaf Whitter's poems and Frances E. W. Harper were devoted abolitionists of their time. Harper was one of the first African American writers, who was influenced by Garrison's Liberator and also participated in the underground railroad. Whitter was a quaker who was interested in slavery and devoted himself to the "antislavery crusade."

I found reading these poems, both authors used vivid imagery to create certain feelings pertaining to their purpose of their poems. In Harper's Slave Mother she describes "she is a mother, pale with fear, Her boy clings to her side," to help the reader to imagine the experience of being separated from your child, which was common being a slave. Saying her face was pale and "hands so sadly clasped" really portrays to the reader that it was an extremely difficult time for the mother, and even sickening. In Whitter's The Hunters of Men, he states "Her foot's in the stirrup, her hand in the rein." This imagery conveys that even when the wives of their masters were kind, they were so tied up with their husbands that they too became corrupted. He also uses many descriptions in his second poem. At one point he describes the slaves dwellings as "rice-swamp dank and lone" and connects it with "noisome insect stings," "fever demon strews," and "poison with the falling dews. These characterizations are all associated with a negative image. This causes the reader to view their homes as awful, lonely and painful places.

Using imagery in poems is a effective and great way to truly give what you want your audience to take away from reading your poem. In my opinion not only does imagery allow for the reader to actually picture an image in their mind, it allows the reader to understand and relate to the poem on an even higher level.

Bonus Blog

Harriet Jacobs, "A Life of a Slave Girl," is an account in which describes her entire life throughout the time she was enslaved up until she was freed. This story is completely truthful, as she assures the reader knows. In the introduction she states "this narrative is no fiction" and her "adventures...[are] strictly true." She also states that she has not written this story in light of getting sympathy for her sufferings, but rather to raise awareness to others. As we discussed in class, she probably did have some intention of getting a little sympathy from her readers. In her story she describes her detailed emotions and how wretched she felt, which entices the audience to feel sympathetic for her. Jacobs also wrote directly to her readers. In one instance she said, "Reader, did you ever hate? I hope not. I never did but once" and again later she states, "And now reader, I come to a period in my unhappy life which I would gladly forget if I could." Directly speaking to her reader, in my opinion allows for the reader to pause and reflect an even greater amount than what they usually would. This makes her writing much more personal, on a whole new level, almost as if you knew her personally.  She uses this technique right before she describes her actions when she slept and got pregnant from a white man which disgraced her family. She is also ashamed of what she has done and tries to convey her feelings by connecting to the reader (which was targeted white high class women) and by telling them that having a lover who has no control over you brings "akin to freedom."

Overall her language is personal and portrays her struggle she experienced throughout her life. She attempts to obtain some sympathy and understanding from her readers by telling them her reasoning behind her actions and her feelings towards how she felt about them, knowing her audience may judge her she used this personal language to earn attraction and awareness.

Race and Culture

Both the, "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl," and "The Quadroons" were extremely sad stories. From history classes I have always known slaves were treated poorly and unequally, but after reading these personal stories I feel like I have learned so much more and now realize what their lives were like on a whole new level. I am choosing to write about race and culture because, being African American, both Rosalie and Jacobs experienced an usually difficult life. 


In "The Quadroons," Rosalie did not have as bad as life as most slaves in that day because of her wealthy owner, for she lived in a beautiful cottage in Sand-Hills and fell in love and wished to marry a man named Edward. However how great can a life be when you are "owned" by someone. Her marriage would not even be recognized in the state because of her race. It is so sad that just because of her ethnic background that society would place such restrictions on her. In the future they had a daughter together named Xarifa, but when Edward left Rosalie, she grew into depression. For she longed to move Xarifa to England because Rosalie knew her fate here in America would not be a good one, and knowing what her fate would be (a slave), Rosalie's "soul was filled with anguish." Once Rosalie passed, Xarifa was then bet on as a slave. One man says "I bet two thousand dollars." It amazes me that society as a whole back then thought of humans as property solely because of the color of their skin. 


In Jacobs account, she had a terrible life. Not only did her master not allow her to marry the man she loved, he abused and cursed her, even threatened her life. Just because of her race, her owner believed it was just to treat her the way he did. Eventually Jacob ran away from her owner and hid in a small hiding place, in which she had gotten frost bite and wombs from bugs that lived with her. Although she went through these tragedies she would of rather been anywhere else besides with her cruel owner as she explains, "Yet i would have chosen this, rather than my lot as a slave." In the end she and her children were freed alas even though she still had the painful memories from her past. 


Due to Americas culture of believing that whites were so superior to blacks and they had the right to actually own people and do whatever they wanted with them, Jacobs, Rosalie, and Xarfia all had painful experiences in their lives.  For race was the reason in which they were treated so unequally. It is sad to me that just being a different race would cause such horrible things to happen to you. But I am glad to know that our culture has changed drastically over the years and now everyone, no matter what race, is treated equally and given the life they wish to live. 

Native Americans

Throughout both passages, "An Indian's Looking Glass for the White Man," and "Indian Names," there is a common theme describing how the Native Americans of that time were treated poorly, given unfair rights, and discriminated against. Apess's story reflects much about his own heritage and how he was actually part Native American himself. Growing up with a white father and Indian mother (although his parents split), he has had a great interest in the "history and rights of Native Americans." His story explains how he believes Indians should have the right to be treated equally. He was a minister so he mirrors a lot of what the Bible says. He believes that no man should be affected by the color of one's skin color, because God would never be disgraceful towards someone who had black or red skin. He also talks about the white men's cruelty towards the Indians and how they "robbed...murdering their women and children," and deprived them of their lawful rights in which they deserved. 


In Sigourney's poem, "Indian Names" we also see a theme supporting Native Americans. She too was raised in a devoutly Christian home which I think is maybe connected to why both authors have reflected the same feelings towards Native Americans. She talks about how Natives were "brave" and a "noble race" in which whites have killed off. Her poem conveys that Natives were spread out all throughout the country from Kentucky to Missouri and were the first people in this country. She also talks about how their memory will always be remembered and names on our waters, that won't washout, even though "ye destroy their dust." 


Sadly, these two passages reflect the way in which Natives were treated poorly and killed off. But it is encouraging to see people who think so highly of the Indians, having Cherokee Indian in my myself.  

Theme in the "Tenth of January" By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

After reading this story I considered many options of different themes that would be suitable, I came to conclusion that, even if things in life are bad, don't take it for-granted, would be the best fit. The theme was developed slowly throughout the story and became apparent at the end. In the beginning, Asenath was  sorrow and looked down upon herself.  She constantly allowed not only herself, but others to put her down because of her past and her looks. For instance two people talking about her whispered, "Look at that girl! I'd kill myself if I looked like that." Yet she actually thought the same way because at one point in the story she had, "wicked thoughts," in which she envisioned jumping off the bridge. Her life was extremely tough and was put in unfortunate situations, but I believe there was always something in which she could be happy about. Her father cared about her and she always had God to go to when she felt alone. There were even little things in her life that could make her happy. In the end of the story when Asenath was close to dying, she had finally come to realization that "Life- even her life- was sweet, now that it was slipping from her." Even if life is hard, I agree with this theme, I believe that life should never be taken for-granted for it is too big of a gift.

What does Irving's short story, "The Wife," say about American values regarding marriage, women, and economics?

Irving's Story, "The Wife," conveys many different things about marriage, women, and economy. In the story, the man describes how sad he becomes and how "mortifying" it is to be poor. This shows that there was a lot of pressure in society for men to be wealthy and support their wives and families. He was scared to tell his wife about his failure throughout the story because he thought it would break her heart. What class you were in was obviously very important to people in this era. The story also says a lot of information about wives. It portrays that they are there to support you and give you comfort whenever you may need it. The story says single men are more "apt to run to waste and self neglect" whereas married men are able to share prosperity and receive sympathy from their wives. It explains that sharing emotions with your spouse is a way to create a bond that can keep hearts together.  Even though the husband is scared to tell his wife about his misfortunes, when he finally does she was actually relieved to hear the news, because she knew something had been bothering him. I agree with what this story conveys. Husband and wife should always be there for the other one, no matter what the news may be. And if you are not sharing something with your spouse I believe that they will be able to sense that something is upsetting you, so always be willing to share, and I think you will be satisfied with the outcome.