Incidents In The Life Of A Slave Girl- Part 4

I was shocked as I read the last chapters of the book. When learning about slavery, we are normally taught that slaves tried to escape to the north because there was freedom for everyone. When I hear the word "freedom", it makes me think of independence and equality. Events disussed by Linda prove that the northern states were not as perfect as slaves imagined them to be. Linda says, "...every where I found the same manifestations of that cruel prejudice, which so discourages the feelings, and represses the energies of the colored people" (181). It is sad to know that the prejudice and racism were not only directed from whites to black, but from blacks to their own race, as well. It was really sweet how Mr. Bruce allowed Linda to go to England and experience something completely different. When speaking of her trip to England, Linday says, "During all that time, I never saw the slightest symptom of prejudice against color" (190). I wonder why she did not choose to stay in England and have her children sent to her as soon as possible. The book opened my eyes to the reality of slavery. It reminds me of the movie "For Colored Girls". In the movie, they talk about black women still feeling inferior or thinking that they owe the world something. Is it true that the effects of slavery are still influencing black women today?

Incidents In The Life Of A Slave Girl- Part 3

One thing that that I noticed from reading Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl is that slavery was not always about the relationship in between whites and blacks. It also had a lot to do with how blacks, enslaved and freed, were among themselves. Linda is given a rare opportunity to escape, but she decides to let another slave make use of the opportunity. When speaking of the chance to escape, Linda says, “I told him it need not be thrown away; that I had a friend concealed near by, who would be glad enough to take the place that had been provided for me” (155).  It is really reassuring to know that regardless of the inhumane acts surrounding them, most blacks continued to be helpful and protective of one another. Sadly, some of them allowed slavery to influence them in a negative way. Linda says, “Uncle Phillip was sent for, and he agreed with his mother in thinking that Jenny would inform Dr. Flint in less than twenty-four hours” (157). They had to rush Linda out of the area because another slave, who has probably gone through some of the same things as Linda, would expose her secret. If anything, the slaves should be able to trust themselves more than anyone else, but it looks like this was not always the case. I am happy that Linda’s plan is working out the way she wanted it to work out. Although she has to stay in hiding and cannot see her children, they are basically free because Dr. Flint unknowingly sold them to their father. Dr. Flint tells the speculator, “I have been reflecting upon your proposition, and I have concluded to let you have the three negroes if you will say nineteen hundred dollars” (108). Things are leaning in her favor. Hopefully, it will continue like this.

Incidents In The Life Of A Slave Girl- Part 2

Reading this book gives me a lot of different feelings, but mostly, I feel bad for Linda. She has to sacrifice so many things because of slavery. She does not have any freedom, she loses many loved ones, she cannot marry the freedman that she loves, and she is not even allowed to give her two children their father's name. Linda explains, "Always it gave me a pang that my children had no lawful claim to a name. Their father offered his; but, if I had wished to accept the offer, I dared not while my master lived"(80). It is really sad because these are things that people currently take for granted, forgetting that there was a time where certain people were not entitled to these privileges. One thing I like about the book is the strong imagery that Linda Brent uses throughout the book. For example, she says, "O, the serpent of Slavery has many and poisonous fangs!"(63). She also expresses, "How earnestly I prayed that she might never feel the weight of slavery's chain, whose iron entereth into the soul!"(81). They are really deep and just make you realize that what they are going through is not a joke. Finally, it is heartbreaking every time she mentions her children's fate and how she wishes she were dead, but she has to endure the suffering so she can make sure they have hope in their futures. Linda Brents has a distinctive way of communicating with her readers that really touches their souls!

Incidents In The Life Of A Slave Girl- Part 1

So far, Incidents In The Life Of A Slave Girl, has been pretty interesting. There are a couple of things that fascinate me about the book. The first thing is that Linda Brents explains emotional events as though they have very little importance. Once she tells the readers what happened, she does not touch the subject again. Whhile speaking of her mistress, Linda says, "She died, and they buried her in the little churchyard, where, day after day, my tears fell upon her grave"(5-6). Although she talks about her mistress after that point, she never mentions her feelings about her mistress' death. This is an effective way of persuading people to agree with her. Since she is not over sensitive about the many horrible events and scenarios that take place in her life, it does not seem overexagerated. Another thing that fascinated me was Linda Brent's honesty. She wants to readers convince readers that slavery is bad, but she still  lets them know that in some rare instances slave owners are caring toward their slaves. Linda says, "I do not say there are no humane slaveholders. Such characters do exist, notwithstanding the hardening influences around them"(50). I personally respect this about her. Others would have lied or only showed half of the truth to convince people, but Linda really opens up to her readers and lets them know everything that went on to her and around her.

Real vs. Ideal

   Montgomery county public schools system, being the largest school system in the state and sixteenth in the country, is expected to be one of the best. Does it meet the standards? NO. There is too much homework and so much pressure to get good grades and sometimes, kids can't handle it so they make bad choices. Another problem is that they think of stuents as a huge group, but students are individuals. They have different styles of learning and learn at different rates, but it is almost impossible to accomodate every student's individuality. Administrators don't try to help kids develop socially. Kids hang out with the same people, while certain people are left alone.    My ideal school would have smaller class sizes so teachers could focus on each student more. High school would start later so kids could sleep enough. I would also have four day school weeks, but extend the school day by an hour. School would try to help students make friends and learn more about the real world, instead of just learning about academic subjects. Students would take classes that lead them toward their dream career.
   Maybe wanting a perfect school system it just an unrealistic goal.