First published in 1861, this incredible biography follow the life of Harriet Jacobs through her life as a slave and her incredible escape. After many attempts to escape her extremely abusive owner, Harried final succeeds, but is forced into hiding in a hole under a house that is only big enough to fit her body. Not only is her body put to the test, so is her mental state, as she can only watch her daughter from the cracks in the floorboards.
Although this a difficult read for the 8th grade level, I am currently reading certain chapters aloud to my students in preparation of the one person play they will see in February and will link into our units on Slavery and the Civil War. This performance, which will be at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, is from the Literature to Life Series, wherein a single person takes on the persona of all the characters portrayed in the performance. This story is one that sheds the true light on the brutality and abysmal circumstances of the slave life. What is even more incredible, is that this biography is not only one of the few written by a slave, but a woman. This story is an inspiration to what true dedication and spirit are made of; Jacob's perseverance through the physical and mental anguish is physically felt by the reader. This story will move anyone to tears, yet will inspire you to examine slavery through a different lens than the one seen in our history books.
Kelly Sporrer -EDRL 524
No comments:
Post a Comment
Have you read this book? Want to? Didn't like it very much. Know about another book like it? Share your ideas.