Entry 8

Slave narratives play a part as one of America's most important forgotten literary traditions. Rarely are they incorporated into the curriculum taught at the high school and middle school level. Yet, Slave narratives are truly worthy of academic contemplation, because of their structure, style, and importance to the abolition movement. Each narrative is essentially more than a historical account of a poor slave's life. They are heavily crafted pieces of work with specific aims in mind. Authors wrote these narratives as part as abolition propaganda to persuade the public to support their cause. The authors used various forms of rhetoric to appeal to the audience of the era, and one can see these strategies consistent throughout many slave narratives.

Unfortunately, American History tends to gloss over slavery (normally starting from colonialism and then proceeding to the civil war). It is almost erased from history books that America had a history of over three hundred years of slavery. Some argue that America's economic development and success is due to the implementation of slavery. America cannot forget the past that played such a great role in influencing the country's future. America is relatively new to the ideas racial and social equality, and some racist sentiments of the past still permeate into the society. It is vital that students understand the practices of the past, so that they may learn in the future.

In addition, Slave narratives, Such as "The Narrative of the Life of Sojourner Truth", exhibit many strategies that were meant to influence the period audience. They had to be crafted in a way that reflected society's accepted moral and social practices. For instance, it is no coincidence that Sojourner Truth's narrative was written using many religious references and stressing the role of motherhood in Sojourner's life. These aspects were deemed very noble and desirable at the time. A slave that was painted in the accepted standards of society resonated with the readers. It was something the readers could relate to and see as valuable traits of the main character. The author of Sojourner Truth's narrative portrayed Sojourner as a devoted christian (because religion was held very highly by society), and a devoted mother (mother's were put on a pedestal, and held much of the power in the household).

In addition to some forms of rhetoric used, many of these texts were influenced by white textual mediation. This means that the narratives were guided (to some extent) by outside white influences. Therefore, many white editors and scribes picked out what they thought was most important to push their cause. One cannot read these narratives as mere historical accounts of slaves' lives, but with the notion that each story was biased in some form or another. For instance, various passages in Sojourner Truth's narrative have the direct thoughts and feelings of the white author. This textual mediation guides the narrative to specific goals and aims.

Slave narratives should no longer be ignored by the public. Many narratives (Sojourner Truth's in particular) are reflective of the cultural and historical moment of the time. The aggregations of these narratives fit into a historical niche that can be viewed (not only as individual literary works) as a historical footprints. American's cannot ignore the dark shadow slavery has cast upon the continent. It is pertinent that the young are exposed early to these works so that mistakes can be analyzed and learned from; so that the youth can establish a solid foundation of a brighter and better future.