Week 6: Writing Response Harriet Jacobs

Writing Response Reading: Read Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs in the African American Literature Anthology digital course textbook, pages 51-80.

Step 1: Directions:

Carefully read the above reading. Take notes while reading; be sure to read any footnotes. After you have a firm understanding of the events in Jacobs’ “Childhood” narrative, write a 1-page response 

Please respond using your own original writing voice and from your personal informed perspective (first person point of view).

Discussion Prompt Guide: What are your initial thoughts about Jacobs’ description of her childhood? Did you find any ideas to be shocking? Overall, would you argue that she seems to believe that she had a good childhood?

At the end of the “Childhood” narrative, Jacobs feels “wronged” by her mistress who was also the mistress of her deceased mother. Do you feel the mistress “wronged” Jacobs by not freeing her? Do you feel the actions of the mistress—her decision NOT to take measures to ensure Jacobs’ freedom— are a reflection of American values during that time period?

This discussion prompt is meant to guide your writing.

Please respond using your own original writing voice and from your personal informed perspective (first person point of view).

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