Discussion Questions for Harriet Jacobs

Click here to read about the Fugitive Slave Law

In General

• According to Jacobs, what are the effects of slavery on the slave? on the master?
  
  
  I. Childhood
  1. The editor of The Norton Anthology says that in her autobiography, Jacobs "tried to do more than create sympathy forher plight; she also sought to win the respect and admiration of her readers. . . ." How does she accomplish this? Which descriptions or scenes help her accomplish this narrative goal?
  2. Note where Jacobs addresses her white female audience. What purpose do these passages serve?
  3. Chapter I is mostly matter-of-fact narrative rather than self-expression or analysis. What does the reader learn about slavery in this chapter?
     
  VI. The Jealous Mistress
  1. How do the scenes between Jacobs and Mr. Flint characterize the master-slave relationship?
  2. How do white women, according to Jacobs, become complicit in the sexual abuse of female slaves?
      
  X. A Perilous Passage in the Slave Girl's Life
  1. Why does Jacobs takes up with another man (the "white unmarried gentleman")?
  2. How does her pregnancy affect Jacobs' view of herself?

  XVI. Scenes at the Plantation

  1. How do the treatment of the children of slaves on the plantation and the knowledge that her children are to be brought to the plantation to be "broke in" (545) steel Harriet's resolve to escape?
     
     
  XXI. The Loophole of Retreat
  1. How does Jacobs survive living in a 9 x 7 x 3 room for seven years? 
  2. How does Jacobs spend her time while in the garret?
     
     
  XLI. Free at Last
  1. Why does Jacobs not want Mrs. Bruce to buy her freedom? What does her resistance show the reader about Jacobs' personality?
  2. What are her reactions when she finds out Mrs. Bruce has paid for her freedom?