Frances E.W. Harper

Definition

Frances E.W. Harper was an influential African American author, poet, and activist in the 19th century, known for her poignant writings on social issues, particularly those concerning race, gender, and social justice. Her literary contributions were significant in reflecting the struggles of African Americans and women during a time of great societal change, making her a key figure in both the literary and cultural movements of her era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harper was born in 1825 in Baltimore, Maryland, and became one of the first African American women to publish a novel, 'Iola Leroy', in 1892.
2. Her poetry often addressed themes of injustice and the human condition, with works like 'Bury Me in a Free Land' highlighting her commitment to freedom and equality.
3. Harper was not only a writer but also a public speaker who traveled extensively to advocate for abolitionism and women's rights.
4. She was a member of various organizations, including the National Women's Suffrage Association, where she fought for both racial and gender equality.
5. Harper's works contributed significantly to the establishment of African American literature as a vital force in American culture and laid the groundwork for future generations of writers.

Review Questions

• How did Frances E.W. Harper's background influence her writing and activism?
  • Frances E.W. Harper's background as a free-born African American woman in the antebellum United States profoundly shaped her writing and activism. Growing up in a society that marginalized both race and gender informed her perspective on social justice issues. Her experiences with racism and sexism fueled her passion for advocating for the rights of African Americans and women, which she expressed through powerful poetry and novels that highlighted these struggles.
• In what ways did Harper's work align with key themes of sentimentalism, and how did this impact her message?
  • Harper's work often aligned with sentimentalism by emphasizing emotion and moral lessons, using personal narratives to engage her audience's empathy. This approach allowed her to effectively communicate the injustices faced by African Americans and women. By appealing to readers' emotions, she sought to inspire action against social inequalities while making complex issues relatable through human experiences.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of Frances E.W. Harper's contributions to literature and social movements, considering her influence on future generations.
  • Frances E.W. Harper's contributions to literature and social movements have had lasting significance in shaping African American literature and advocating for social justice. Her pioneering role as an African American female author broke barriers, encouraging subsequent writers to explore themes of race and gender in their works. By intertwining her literary efforts with activism, Harper not only elevated the voices of marginalized communities but also laid a foundational framework for future movements aiming for equality and justice.

Related terms

Abolitionism: A movement aimed at ending slavery and advocating for the rights and dignity of enslaved people, which Harper actively supported through her writings and speeches.

Sentimentalism: A literary movement that emphasized emotion and empathy, often used by Harper to engage readers with the plights of marginalized groups, especially women and African Americans.

Women's Suffrage: The movement advocating for women's right to vote, which Harper was involved in, linking the struggles for racial and gender equality.