Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl is the autobiography of amazing human being, Harriet Jacobs. Harriet wrote her memoir under the name Linda Brent and changed the names of the people who owned her as well as helped her due to fear. Harriet's upbringing and education leads to very well written account of her harrowing time as a slave. She has even written a preface saying that her accounts may be difficult to believe, but they are very true.
Harriet had an unusual experience as a slave. Her younger years were spent with what she called a "kind mistress." Harriet spent most of her time sewing, playing, and learning. However, when that mistress died, Harriet was given to another family member. The master of Harriet's new house, Dr. Flint, becomes obsessed with Harriet and begins to manipulate, degrade and possess her fully. Harriet uses her cunning and intelligence to outsmart him as well as extreme perseverance and strength. Harriet escapes to her grandmother's house and hides in a small garret above a shed for seven years before she escapes to the North. The entire time, Dr. Flint does not give up on finding Harriet. I was constantly amazed by Harriet's fortitude, especially when in her garret and constantly staying ahead of Dr. Flint's manipulations and lies. Even when Harriet was in New York, she refused to be seen as anyone's property and did not want to be bought by another in order to be granted freedom. Harriet made excruciating choices for her survival including leaving her children and pushing her body to its limits. Harriet wrote her story in order to inform and inspire women of the North to the situation of women in the South. Her story is still engaging, inspiring and educational for people today.
Harriet had an unusual experience as a slave. Her younger years were spent with what she called a "kind mistress." Harriet spent most of her time sewing, playing, and learning. However, when that mistress died, Harriet was given to another family member. The master of Harriet's new house, Dr. Flint, becomes obsessed with Harriet and begins to manipulate, degrade and possess her fully. Harriet uses her cunning and intelligence to outsmart him as well as extreme perseverance and strength. Harriet escapes to her grandmother's house and hides in a small garret above a shed for seven years before she escapes to the North. The entire time, Dr. Flint does not give up on finding Harriet. I was constantly amazed by Harriet's fortitude, especially when in her garret and constantly staying ahead of Dr. Flint's manipulations and lies. Even when Harriet was in New York, she refused to be seen as anyone's property and did not want to be bought by another in order to be granted freedom. Harriet made excruciating choices for her survival including leaving her children and pushing her body to its limits. Harriet wrote her story in order to inform and inspire women of the North to the situation of women in the South. Her story is still engaging, inspiring and educational for people today.
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