Slavery

Definition

Slavery is a system in which individuals are treated as property and forced to work without pay, often under severe conditions. This institution has deeply influenced the social, economic, and cultural fabric of societies, particularly in the context of the African American experience, shaping the narratives and voices of those who lived through it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Slavery was legally sanctioned in the United States from the early colonial period until the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865, which abolished slavery.
2. Enslaved Africans brought rich cultural traditions that influenced American music, art, and literature, particularly through forms like spirituals and folk tales.
3. The narrative accounts of formerly enslaved individuals, such as Olaudah Equiano and Harriet Jacobs, highlighted the brutal realities of slavery and became powerful tools for abolitionist movements.
4. The experiences of enslaved people varied widely depending on factors like location, type of labor, and the attitudes of their owners, creating a diverse range of narratives within the broader experience of slavery.
5. Religious beliefs played a significant role in both justifying slavery and providing hope and resilience among enslaved people, leading to the development of spirituals that expressed their suffering and yearning for freedom.

Review Questions

• How did slavery shape the literary voices of authors like Equiano and Jacobs?
  • Slavery profoundly shaped the literary voices of authors such as Olaudah Equiano and Harriet Jacobs by providing them with personal experiences that informed their narratives. Equiano's 'The Interesting Narrative' serves as both an autobiography and a critique of the institution, detailing his life from enslavement to freedom. Similarly, Jacobs's 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl' exposes the sexual exploitation faced by enslaved women. Their works not only document their individual struggles but also serve as powerful testimonies that highlight the cruelty of slavery and advocate for abolition.
• What role did spirituals play in the lives of enslaved individuals and how do they reflect their experiences?
  • Spirituals played a crucial role in the lives of enslaved individuals as both a source of comfort and a means of resistance. These songs often contained coded messages about escape routes or plans for rebellion while expressing deep sorrow and longing for freedom. The emotional depth of spirituals reflects the harsh realities of slavery, illustrating both suffering and hope. They became an integral part of African American culture, influencing later musical forms and serving as a poignant reminder of resilience amidst oppression.
• In what ways did the institution of slavery influence early African American literature and its development as a distinct genre?
  • The institution of slavery significantly influenced early African American literature by laying the groundwork for a distinct literary genre that addressed themes of oppression, identity, and resilience. Authors like Equiano and Jacobs used their narratives to challenge societal norms and highlight the humanity of enslaved people. This literature often functioned as a form of protest against slavery, emphasizing personal stories to evoke empathy among readers. As a result, these works not only contributed to abolitionist efforts but also helped establish a foundation for future African American writers to articulate their cultural heritage and ongoing struggles for equality.

Related terms

Abolitionism: A movement aimed at ending slavery and promoting equal rights for all individuals, often associated with strong moral and ethical arguments against the institution of slavery.

Plantation Economy:

An economic system based on large-scale agricultural operations that relied heavily on enslaved labor, particularly in the production of cash crops like cotton, tobacco, and sugar.

Fugitive Slave Laws:

Laws enacted in the United States that mandated the return of runaway slaves to their owners, often leading to significant legal and social conflicts between northern and southern states.