Review of The Book "Incidents in The Life of a Slave Girl" by Harriet Jacobs

Harriet Jacobs, born in 1813 in Edenton, North Carolina, is a revered figure in American history for her remarkable escape from the cruel clutches of slavery. Her life story is one of immense suffering and resilience, one that she eloquently portrayed in her 1861 autobiographical work, "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl." Jacobs not only endured the physical and emotional torment of slavery but also broke the mold of her time as a woman of African descent who dared to share her harrowing experiences through the written word. This essay aims to explore Harriet Jacobs' life, her escape from slavery, her contributions as an abolitionist, and the enduring impact of her narrative.

Harriet Jacobs' Early Years

Born into the oppressive world of slavery, Harriet Jacobs experienced the horrors of this institution from a young age. Sexual abuse was a devastating part of her life, as she suffered at the hands of her oppressors. Despite the daunting circumstances, Jacobs managed to escape the bonds of slavery, a feat that speaks to her unwavering determination and strength. Her experiences as a slave transformed her into an impeccable author, leading to the creation of the now-famous "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl." This narrative is a rare gem, given that its author was both a woman and a Black individual during a time when few such narratives were written.

Beyond her role as a writer, Harriet Jacobs emerged as a passionate advocate for the rights of Black Americans. She became an abolitionist speaker, a social worker, and an educator, dedicating her life to the fight for freedom and equality. She was the daughter of Elijah and Delilah Knox, and a loving mother to Joseph and Louisa Matilda Jacobs. Her early life, however, was marked by moments of happiness and cherished memories with her close family, friends, and her mother's mistress, who played a pivotal role in her upbringing following her mother's untimely death.

Jacobs' life, like that of countless others, was overwhelmingly defined by the scourge of slavery. Her parents, her brother, and her grandmother all lived in the shadow of bondage. Religion entered her life through her mother's mistress, who imparted the precepts of God's word to her. After enduring numerous trials and tribulations, Harriet Jacobs eventually passed away in Washington DC in 1897, leaving behind a legacy of courage and resilience.

Jacobs' early years were imbued with familial love and cherished friendships. It was only after six years of relative happiness that she learned of her family's enslaved status. Her father, a skilled carpenter, was a symbol of hope for the family, working tirelessly with the goal of eventually buying their freedom. The family of mulattoes relied on him, even as he had to pay his mistress $200. Harriet, in particular, never perceived herself as merchandise, thanks to the love and protection she received from her family. Her maternal grandmother also played a precious role in shaping her life, nurturing her intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit. Harriet's popularity grew as she began baking crackers for children in the neighborhood, eventually leading to a business venture aimed at buying their freedom.

Harriet's uncle, Benjamin, was like a brother to her but shared the same fate of being sold into slavery at a young age. Despite the hardships of her situation, Harriet's mistress allowed her to experience moments of joy and normalcy, such as playing with other children and learning to read and write. These formative experiences would later influence her life profoundly.

Life in Slavery and Search of Freedom

Dr. Flint, however, would become a dark presence in Harriet Jacobs' life after she was placed in a new household. Her brother suffered a similar fate, being sold to the same family. Her initial impressions of Dr. Flint were chilling, marked by cold words, harsh treatment, and disdainful looks. Dr. Flint was a relentless and cruel master, making the lives of his slaves a living hell, even for minor infractions. He would threaten to sell them to slave traders, subjecting them to further torment. Dr. Flint's relentless attempts to break Harriet's will included coercing her and whispering vile words in her ear, but she remained steadfast. To hide his sinister intentions, Dr. Flint even built a cottage for Harriet away from his own family. Her dream of marrying a free Black man was violently revoked by her master, leading her to take the drastic step of conceiving a child with a white lawyer in the hope of being sold, but this desperate move proved futile.

As Harriet Jacobs' life descended further into despair, she took the brave step of escaping, living among both white and Black neighbors. Her life became increasingly harsh, as she grappled with the uniquely burdensome challenges faced by enslaved women. She not only denied her child but also endured deplorable living conditions in a dimly lit, poorly ventilated room, plagued by the constant presence of mice and rats.

One of the strategies Harriet employed to escape the bonds of slavery was to become a mother and hide for seven years in a crawl space within her grandmother's house, located within Dr. Flint's domain. This covert existence provided her with the opportunity to plan and imagine her resistance against the institution of slavery. By the end of this arduous period, her hideout had deteriorated, exposed to the elements and subjecting her to further hardship. The culmination of this phase in her life marked the beginning of a treacherous journey to Philadelphia in search of freedom. In Philadelphia, she encountered new allies, including a fellow slave named Fanny, the captain, and his crew, who played crucial roles in her journey towards emancipation.

Major Issues in Jacobs Narrative

The aftermath of Nat Turner's rebellion had a profound impact on Harriet Jacobs' life, sparking conflicting thoughts about brotherhood and morality. The Christian doctrine preached love and brotherhood, but witnessing the moral contradictions and brutality of those who professed Christianity shook her perception. In her narrative, Jacobs also addresses the issues plaguing the Black community, such as lawlessness, unlawful searches, and the ransacking of slave cabins. Black people were subjected to terror, often viewed as potential rebels. This period in her life marked a pivotal moment in her understanding of religion and its complex interplay with society. She highlighted the disparities between religion and Christianity, as well as the differences between whites and Blacks. The spiritual practices of Blacks were deeply rooted in their African heritage, while the hypocrisy of whites in denouncing these practices became increasingly evident.

Harriet Jacobs' life experiences unequivocally demonstrate the cruelty inherent in slavery. People were treated as mere commodities, stripped of their humanity, and subjected to unimaginable degradation. The most horrifying aspects of slavery, as highlighted in her narrative, include the dehumanization of enslaved women who were coerced into sexual servitude, the unjust treatment of slaves as potential rebels, and the callousness of the system that treated them as chattel to be bought and sold.

Conclusion

"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" is a compelling historical testament that cannot be ignored. Slavery inflicted immeasurable suffering and sowed the seeds of racism. Jacobs' narrative vividly portrays the grim reality of the past, laying bare its brutality. However, her story also offers a glimmer of hope, as it chronicles the eventual triumph of the abolitionist movement and the struggles of freedom fighters. This narrative serves as an enduring reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.