“Slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women"Harriet was actively involved with the abolition movement before the launch of the Civil War. During the war, she used her celebrity to raise money for black refugees. After the war, she worked to improve the conditions of the recently freed slaves.
In the story “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl”, Harriet Jacobs writes about her sad experiences as a slave. Her story documents not only her struggle to run away and be free, but she also puts a great effort in describing her sexual abuse she suffers, and the importance of family and motherhood.
She describes the cruelty to black women in the nineteen-century, and how slaves were supposed to serve their masters. She explains that at that time the system worked aga
inst protection of slave women from sexual abuse by their masters. Sexual abuse of slave was not viewed as a criminal offense because she did not count as a woman, but a slave. Rather, she was property of the owner, who could dispose of her body whenever they wish. “A master may treat you as rudely as he pleases, and you dare not to speak” (Jacobs 1817). She explains the process of obedience and well-behaved slaves go through, involving physical pain and physiological torment. Both male and female slaves are explored and humiliated without any reason, however, women are raped and suffer more physiological pain. Linda is forced to have sex with her masters, and forced to keep a secret, for herself, or the master could hurt her or separate her children from her.
She was denied to marry her lover and was forced to give up her purity; going against her own moral principles. “I know I have been disrespectful, sir... but you drove me to it..." Jacobs’s most desirable dream was to obtain freedom to build a family, as any other white woman could enjoy. Jacobs’s story is very devastated; she does not only describe the reader how cruel it is to be a slave, but also how hard it is to be a slave and a black woman. After seven years of sexual harassment by Dr. Norcom, Harriet Jacobs had had enough. In 1835 she escaped from Norcom, although she would remain in her hometown, hidden, for another seven years before fleeing to the North. In this runaway notice, Norcom ironically states that "this girl absconded from the plantation of my son without any known cause or provocation."
Runaway notice for Harriet Jacobs
$100 REWARD Will be given for the apprehension and delivery of my Servant Girl HARR
IET. She is a light mulatto, 21 years of age, about 5 feet 4 inches high, of a thick and corpulent habit, having on her head a thick covering of black hair that curls naturally, but which can be easily combed straight.
Runaway notice for Harriet Jacobs
$100 REWARD Will be given for the apprehension and delivery of my Servant Girl HARR
IET. She is a light mulatto, 21 years of age, about 5 feet 4 inches high, of a thick and corpulent habit, having on her head a thick covering of black hair that curls naturally, but which can be easily combed straight. She speaks easily and fluently, and has an agreeable carriage and address. Being a good seamstress, she has been accustomed to dress well, has a variety of very fine clothes, made in the prevailing fashion, and will probably appear, if abroad, tricked out in gay and fashionable finery. As this girl absconded from the plantation of my son without any known cause or provocation, it is probable she designs to transport herself to the North. The above reward, with all reasonable charges, will be given for apprehending her, or securing her in any prison or jail within the U. States. All persons are hereby forewarned against harboring or entertaining her, or being in any way instrumental in her escape, under the most rigorous penalties of the law.
JAMES NORCOM.
Copy from the American Beacon, Courtesy of the North Carolina Division of Archives and History
