Entry 1
(November 13)
Jacob D. Green’s narrative is precisely about his turbulent voyage of attempting to escape from the unconstitutional hands of slavery, and the many sorrows he encountered along the way. Many key figures he found throughout his journey for freedom consist of his master Mr. Rogers, who arguably has Jacob’s best interest at heart being that he is a devout Christian. Other significant figures include his family, who were sold away from him, and the many people whom he crossed paths with during the course of his several attempts of running away. The tone of his story spills out a tremendous pool of sorrow amongst readers due to the harsh realities slaves faced on a day to day basis. Emphasizing how emotionally unjust it was to have your family stripped away from you in a matter of brief moments, and the treacherous floggings that took place releases a feeling of grief and anguish towards the audience. “Her voice soft and gentle, accompanied with heart rending gestures, appealed to the slave buyer in tones so mournful, that I thought it might have even melted cruelty itself into some pity.“ (Slave Narratives 980) A monumental turning point in his life took place when he was 14 years of age and his mother was sold away to a trader. This devastating scenario allotted Jacob’s a reflection period to question his life of being an enslaved black to that of any white persons condition. “This circumstance caused serious reflections in my mind, as to the situations of slaves, and caused me to contrast the condition of a white boy with mine.” (Slave Narratives 953)
(November 13)
Jacob D. Green’s narrative is precisely about his turbulent voyage of attempting to escape from the unconstitutional hands of slavery, and the many sorrows he encountered along the way. Many key figures he found throughout his journey for freedom consist of his master Mr. Rogers, who arguably has Jacob’s best interest at heart being that he is a devout Christian. Other significant figures include his family, who were sold away from him, and the many people whom he crossed paths with during the course of his several attempts of running away. The tone of his story spills out a tremendous pool of sorrow amongst readers due to the harsh realities slaves faced on a day to day basis. Emphasizing how emotionally unjust it was to have your family stripped away from you in a matter of brief moments, and the treacherous floggings that took place releases a feeling of grief and anguish towards the audience. “Her voice soft and gentle, accompanied with heart rending gestures, appealed to the slave buyer in tones so mournful, that I thought it might have even melted cruelty itself into some pity.“ (Slave Narratives 980) A monumental turning point in his life took place when he was 14 years of age and his mother was sold away to a trader. This devastating scenario allotted Jacob’s a reflection period to question his life of being an enslaved black to that of any white persons condition. “This circumstance caused serious reflections in my mind, as to the situations of slaves, and caused me to contrast the condition of a white boy with mine.” (Slave Narratives 953)
This sounds like an interesting narrative! I think the way you described the tone was very descriptive and gives a good idea about how the narrative is written. Did Green give details about specific instances of floggings and abuse from his slave owners or did he just speak generally about slave abuse? I also like the quotes that you used and think they are very strong accounts of slavery.
ReplyDeleteHe often times went into grave detail about the aftermath of the floggings that were administered. In one instance when he was falsey accused as a boy he says, "From this flogging my back was raw and sore for 3 months; the shirt that I wore was made of rough tow linen, and when at work in the fields it would so chafe the sores that they would break and run,...when I did pull my shirt off it brought with it much of my flesh."
ReplyDeleteThanks
While being separated from their families wasn’t uncommon for slave, it seems that there isn’t much focus on it from the male perspective and how it affected them. Does Green only briefly mention being separated from his family or is it a reoccurring theme throughout his narrative?
ReplyDeleteWe've seen instances where the 'Christian' masters are often worse than their 'heathen' counterparts. Are there specific things his master does that sets him apart from other professed Christians?
ReplyDeleteThere are speific instances in which sets him apart from other Christians. In one instance Jacob D. Green was captured from the North while attempting to runway. His master then heard of this and freed him, released the collar that was around his neck, and erased the runaway portion from Jacob's record as he wanted to sell him. "Now I will give you a good character, notwithstanding you have done your best to injure me, a good master-still I'll do my best to get you a good master, for my bible teaches me to do good for evil."
ReplyDeleteJacob D. Green doesn't neccessarily harp on the fact that his family was sold, nor his emotions at this time. Instead of this being a recurring theme throughout his narrative, he uses it more as a means to escape slavery. Since his family was sold he felt he had no reason to stay and cope with the lonliness of slavery. "From the time of my wife's being sent away, I firmly made up my mind to take the first opportunity to run away."
ReplyDeleteIn "William Wells Brown," William's family is also sold at an early age and he repeatedly fights to find them and get them to freedom. Does Jacob, at any point, try to find his family or get them to freedom? If he doesn't, does he ever address the topic?
ReplyDeleteJacob D. Green resorts to leaving his family behind and moving on with a new life in his narrative. It seems as if he already knows the chances of him reuniting with his former family is slim to none, so he plays the hand he is dealt and goes on about life never really mentioning them ever again.
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