The war of my life had begun; and though one of God's most powerless creatures, I resolved never to be conquered.
Harriet Ann JacobsRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on coercion and the loss of freedom experienced by those who are enslaved.
Harriet Ann Jacobs highlights the harsh realities of slavery, depicting a scenario where a slave's choice is stripped away, forcing compliance through physical punishment or imprisonment. This underscores the inhumanity of the institution of slavery, illustrating how it dehumanizes individuals and limits their autonomy, as they are coerced into obedience under threat of violence or confinement.
Themes
SlaveryFreedomCoercionAutonomyHuman Rights
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about historical injustices and the ongoing fight for freedom and rights.
More from Harriet Ann Jacobs
All quotes →No pen can give an adequate description of the all-pervading corruption produced by slavery.
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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