If a slave is unwilling to go with his new master, he is whipped, or locked up in jail, until he consents to go, and promises not to run away during the year.
Harriet Ann JacobsRead
No pen can give an adequate description of the all-pervading corruption produced by slavery.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the deep and pervasive nature of corruption caused by slavery, which transcends verbal expression.
Harriet Ann Jacobs emphasizes that the corruption and degradation caused by slavery are so profound and widespread that they cannot be adequately captured through words alone. This statement reflects the intense moral and social implications of slavery, suggesting that its effects are far-reaching and impact not only individuals but the fabric of society as a whole.
Themes
SlaveryCorruptionFreedomHumanityInjustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about historical injustices, one might quote this to highlight the moral implications of slavery.
More from Harriet Ann Jacobs
All quotes βThe war of my life had begun; and though one of God's most powerless creatures, I resolved never to be conquered.
Harriet Ann JacobsRead
But I now entered on my fifteenth year - a sad epoch in the life of a slave girl. My master began to whisper foul words in my ear. Young as I was, I could not remain ignorant of their import
Harriet Ann JacobsRead
I would rather drudge out my life on a cotton plantation, till the grave opened to give me rest, than to live with an unprincipled master and a jealous mistress.
Harriet Ann JacobsRead
Southern women often marry a man knowing that he is the father of many little slaves. They do not trouble themselves about it.
Harriet Ann JacobsRead
If you want to be fully convinced of the abominations of slavery, go on a southern plantation, and call yourself a negro trader. Then there will be no concealment; and you will see and hear things that will seem to you impossible among human beings with immortal souls.
Harriet Ann JacobsRead
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