Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl - Discussion Questions chapters XXV-XXX

 Section 5: chapters XXV - XXX

1. How does chapter 26 illustrate the dilemma facing a slave who wanted dreamed of freedom? Does it suggest the correct solution to this dilemma? Many slaveowners see themselves as "nice slaveowners", thinking that as long as they treat their slaves right and free them eventually their hands are clean. Chapter 26 is a nice illustration of how this is a deluded notion. Linda's brother sees freedom as something that can't be bargained for and can't wait. He leaves when he can no matter how nice his slaveowner is, who believes that his slave will return in good time. The struggle for freedom and dignity is a conquering force in the human psyche. Chapter 26 very clearly states that slaves have no obligations to their "masters" in matters of freedom, no matter how kind or how sadistic that slaveowner may be.

2. Comment on the effect of this quote from chapter 27: “I had no trust in thee, O Slavery!” Chapter 27 outlines, among other things, that the new mistress could spell trouble for Linda's children. This line in particular refers to Linda's assertion that the children could easily be seen as a cheap way to raise extra funds. "I have no trust in thee" echoes the approach Linda has to slavery throughout the book, slavery's sins are lain bare and shown to be a cruel mockery of the holy institution it views itself as. An institution that any sane slave has good basis to distrust regarding anything relating to slaves welfare and treatment.

3. What further evidence do we get of the headstrong nature of Linda’s character in chapter 27? Linda prices herself to be headstrong in being able to see her daughter off and in fighting for her children and what she believes in.

4. Aunt Nancy is a fairly significant character. What is the effect of waiting until her death to properly introduce her to the reader? The way the Flints use Aunt Nancy and her death would be eye-opening if we didn't already have a solid grasp on the Flints moral character. For me, the waiting allows the reader to properly reflect on how the death of a living human being is seen as an opportunity by the Flints and nothing more. It also allows the reader to more critically and non partially compare the reactions of the Flints and Aunt Nancy's family and friends without needing to take time in the novel to properly address the death of an established character.

5. Comment on the effect of the strong back metaphor at the end of chapter 28. Are you familiar with other instances of the metaphor being used to describe American slaves? The metaphor is powerful, it speaks to the black slaves' perseverance throughout their subjugation, they were subjugated in body only, not in mind or spirit.

6. Why does Jacobs “forbear to mention any further particulars” about her plan to escape? There is always risk in escape plans, Linda is also kept in the dark partly to keep her calmer, people are putting their lives on the line to help her, Jacob is hesitant to make her second-guess herself.

7. How does Jacobs build suspense in chapter 29? Witholding information from Linda and the reader creates suspense, this is coupled with the high stakes of escape in general.

8. What do you make of Linda’s attempts to balance trust with suspicion (during her first hours on the boat, for example)? Why does she value each of these two approaches? Dr. Flint is a good example of someone lying to slaves, pretending to care and want to help them. Instead, he is just as bad as any other slaveowner. Linda is suspicious of just about everyone but has to put her trust in people to escape slavery.