Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl

Habibat Oguntade

Ap English III

10/07/09

Incidents in the Life of a slave Girl

In the story Incidents in the life of a slave girl, Harriet Jacobs slavery modulates the lives of various individuals. The most important character in the story happens to be Linda Brent, who encountered various difficulties, as a slave. Jacob construes to story in such a way that readers will be able to get an in-depth understanding of what it takes to be a slave. In the beginning, Linda seemed to be a very happy and comfortable child, since she wasn’t old enough to be cognizant of the fact that she was born into slavery, her world was alright, and she had nothing to worry about. Everything was pretty much convenient, until Linda turned six, and her world began to change.

The first thing she had to deal with was the death of her dearly beloved mother. As a child, Linda couldn’t bear the fact that her mother was no longer with her, and this would have had a negative impact on her in all ways; physically emotionally and mentally. It was also after the death of her mother that she overheard that she was a slave. For a child that was always comfortable and happy, hearing that she was a slave would have made life miserable for her, which would not have been apparent to deal with. Most children of her age still depend on their mother a lot for various things. A mother is not someone pleasant to lose at that age .

Six years later , after overcoming the despondency of her mother’s death, Linda was terrified to find out that her mistress was dead. This lady had been in charge of Linda, ever since the sudden death of her mother. Most slave owners were recognized for being merciless, inconsiderate, and atrocious, but in this case, Linda’s mistress was a very decent and reputable individual. She never made Linda feel like an orphan in any way. She showered Linda, care, love and protection. “ No toilsome or disagreeable duties were imposed on me” . This quotes construes the kind of life Linda lived with her mistress. Usually, all slaves ; man or woman, young or old, always had something to do for their masters or mistresses, but Linda on the order hand seems to have won the heart of her mistress, so everything seemed to be in a good condition, until the death of her mistress.

On the long run, Linda found herself in the custody of a new master and mistress, Dr Flint and his wife. There, her life was miserable, there was no one to care for her, and everything was totally different. She began to feel like a real slave after so many years of comfort. When we entered our new home, we encountered cold looks, cold words, and cold treatment” This quotes depicts the kind of life that commenced for Linda and her brother. Everything about their new home was phlegmatic, which showed that emotions and interests were extinct. Linda was dehumanized by Dr. Flint in all possible ways, he represents the cruelty, callousness, and treachery of the entire slave system. Dr. Flint loves power above all else, and it often seems that forcing Linda to submit to him is more important to him than simply sleeping with her. He is galled and infuriated by her defiance, and he becomes obsessed with the idea of breaking her will. Rather than simply raping her, he persists in his efforts make her acknowledge his mastery. Dr. Flint was Linda’s worst enemy.

In conclusion, the story construes how abhorrent life had been for individuals who experienced slavery. They never had a say of their own, and they always had to abide by all rules and regulations imposed on them by their masters or mistresses. As for Linda, things started off pretty good, until she lost her beloved ones, and had to live as a slave. The narrator displayed ethos creating a tone of sympathy from the middle to the end story, because readers will develop a pity towards Linda and other slaves, after reading. They have all leaved a deplorable life.