Novel- "Childhood" from Harriet Jacob's"Incidents"

[Ms. Knarr]

Please read the first chapter from Incidents be sure to read all three pages.

www.pagebypagebooks.com/Harriet_Jacobs/Incidents_in_the_Life_of_a_Slave_Girl/Childhood_p1.html

[clareaker]

1. This chapter in the novel, "Childhood", was about a young slave talking about her life growing up. She spoke about her grandmother who was a well loved and respected slave. She also spoke about her brothers that she did not grow up with, and her mother, who was loved by her master. The child grew up with a very kind master who acted as a mother to her. Unfortunately, when her master died, she was given to another slave owner.
2. I liked the first chapter in this novel. It was interesting and the reader was able to get a feel for the characters. I was upset, however, by the way the chapter ended. I thought the child should have been set free when her master died.
3. Why do you think the slave's master didn't set her free after she died? What do you think the slave owner did with the grandmother's money? How do you think the slave child's future will turn out? What are the "God-breathing machines" that the author refers to?

[connorjmckeon]

1. In this chapter, the author recalls her past as a young, slave. She came from a family of slaves, but her older family members had died. Luckily, their masters and mistresses treated her and her family well. Her mothers mistress promised to assure the well being of the author and her siblings. When the mistress died, she left the slaves to other owners and their fate in their new owners' hands.

2. Overall, I liked the story. The fact that the family of slaves was treated so well surprised me, but in a good way. Usually, people here "slaves" or "slavery" and think of horror and injustice, but in this story, you can see that it wasn't all bad; the author didn't even know she was a slave for quite some time. It annoyed me, however, that the mistress preached The Golden Rule, but didn't uphold it in her will and went back on her word.

3. Answer to the first question: I think that she didn't set her free because if she freed the slaves, it could look bad on the family to its peers. I feel like the people in that time would look down upon releasing slaves.
My Question: Why didn't anyone explain to the author that she was a slave? Shouldn't she know her situation in the world?

[jessicanoel]

1. In this chapter, the narrator is recalling an important part of her childhood. She talks about grandmother who can looked at as a role model figure because she was admirable and hard working. The narrator also talks about two great losses which greatly affected her life; the death of her mother and master. When her master died she was disappointed when she was given to another slave owner. She remembered her master's reference to the bible about treating others the way you want to be treated, and that's what hurt her the most.

2. I did not like this chapter. However, I found it interesting. When learning about slavery, you rarely hear about masters treating their slaves with the respect they deserve. I agree with Clare's opinion on the ending. I thought the narrator should have been granted freedom.

Answer to question three: In my opinion, the master did not set the narrator free because despite their love and good relationship, she was still a slave. She had no rights or money. She really had no means of making a successful life for herself. I think the master did what she thought was best for her.

Q1: Do you think the narrator is scared to move on?

[abigaildolan]

1) The meaning in this story seems very plain. I believe that the Author was simply conveying her early life and how she was treated unfairly simply because the color of her skin. She was treated kindly by her master, as her mother was. Her family while slaves were given such advantages as being able to work and earn money while also being able to read and write. Yet they were still property and with the death of each of their masters they were reminded of this. The children were sold or bequeathed to relatives despite being treated like family by their masters. The Author seems to suggest that no matter how fondly a master feels of their property they are still bond by the status quo as it were. Compelled to in death treat them as others would, as property.

2) I have mixed feelings about this chapter. While I greatly enjoyed reading it and thought very highly of the tale that was described to me it was dreadfully sad. For generation after generation of people to be shown the hope of salvation in the kindness of there master only to have it dashed away in their death is sad. The Author appears to build her characters up into tragedy. Giving them hope only to rip from them at the last moment. While it is certainly true that such things were often the case with slaver owners every time I hear about it makes me feel depressed. It was beautifully written though and I greatly enjoyed reading it right up until the end.

3) I am answering Connor's question. I believe that her position as a slave wasn't explained to her because people believed it to be obvious. Well the white people at least would have felt it very obvious. One does not tell a pet they are property. On the other hand her family may not have wished to tell her because they did not like being slaves and did not want her to feel bad sooner than she had to. She was a child. No one tells a child straight out that there pet died right away, they sugar coat it. Why tell them they were property when they could go on believing they were just regular people.

My Question - The Narrator seems to accept that she is property with rather little distaste. Do you think the Narrator accepts this because she does not think she can change it, or simply because it has been this way for many years?

[matpolanco]

Basically, this is about the author's story of realizing she is a slave and becoming a slave. the Author really is clear and gets to the point. She just wants readers to be aware of her early life as a slave. How even she, a young girl, can see how bad and unfair slavery is.
I liked this chapter. I was moved by when she stated that she didn't realize she was a slave until she was six years old. I guess it brings me back to my child hood and i can see how children are so innocent and can make the best out of any situation.
Abby's Question: I think it is a little of both. I think that she is just so used to being treated as property that she feels as if there is literally no hope and no way to change it. So its the many years that make it seem hopeless.
My Question: What is the irony in the mistress teaching about Gods commandments to love your neighbor as you do yourself?