It gave him the right to vote, but denied him the protection which should have maintained that right.
The author brings a strong point which is how the south was able to create loops/holes to prevent african americans from being able to vote. The government did not put forth the efforts to ensure that african americans were being given the same rights (not even opportunities)
The first excuse given to the civilized world for the murder of unoffending Negroes was the necessity of the white man to repress and stamp out alleged "race riots." For years immediately succeeding the war there was an appalling slaughter of colored people, and the wires usually conveyed to northern people and the world the intelligence, first, that an insurrection was being planned by Negroes, which, a few hours later, would prove to have been vigorously resisted by white men, and controlled with a resulting loss of several killed and wounded. It was always a remarkable feature in these insurrections and riots that only Negroes were killed during the rioting, and that all the white men escaped unharmed.
This still exists in today's age and I think that is the most disheartening. Not always to the same extreme, but it seems like a lot of what we read still serves as a undertone for issues still apparent today.
During the slave regime, the Southern white man owned the Negro body and soul.
This is a point we have been reiterating throughout our readings and important to note. I find the choice of language to be appropriate for the text. I more so wanted to focus on the word 'soul', because essentially that is how constricting slavery was.
So far from sweet real things my thoughts had strayed,I had forgot wide fields; and clear brown streams;
This is more so a personal connection, but there are times when you don't really feel like yourself and maybe it is something about the violets (as simple as even seeing them) that brings back some peace of mind.
And now—unwittingly, you've made me dreamOf violets, and my soul's forgotten gleam.
Is it the spring time and sight of violets that lifts the author's heart? I do believe there are certain emotions we tie to certain parts of the year.
And bows and pins, and perfumed papers fine;
This is a strong sense of imagery that allows the audience to create a scenery. The scenery I created in my mind is a warm but not hot spring in the daytime.
You sang a race from wood and stone to Christ
I felt that this was an interesting way to conclude the poem. I am assuming this is a reference to Jesus resurrection
His spirit must have nightly floated free, Though still about his hands he felt his chains.
This demonstrates that even in moments where you may feel free in spirit ( in this case, at night i'm assuming because that probably would be the only time enslaved people would be able to socialize. but even with this, there is still that reminder that even though you feel free within those moments, you are still enslaved.
These songs of sorrow, love and faith, and hope? How did it catch that subtle undertone, That note in music heard not with the ears? How sound the elusive reed so seldom blown, Which stirs the soul or melts the heart to tears.
I feel that this represents how we can fill music with emotion that can't be simply described by note. Songs were often used as an outlet for emotion.
SLAVE SONGS OF THE UNITED STATES.
I have went through the slave songs and we can see a constant use of religion throughout the songs. I can tie this in to how we connect this with the idea of self expression. I believe that this brought them closer as well.
SLAVE SONGS OF THE UNITED STATES.
Response to the question posted....
As we are aware, most enslaved people were not given the opportunity to read or write. Being myself in present day, being able to write gives me an outlet for expressing my thought and being able to communicate with others. I believe that Slave Songs allowed enslaved people to express themselves. You can express a lot of emotion, pain, joy, and sorrow through songs. Song writing gave the opportunity to do that.
The last time I myself heard these was at the Fourth of July celebration, at the church, in 1864. All of them were sung, and then the glorious shout, "I can't stay behind, my Lord," was struck up, and sung by the entire multitude with a zest and spirit, a swaying of the bodies and nodding of the heads and lighting of the countenances and rhythmical movement of the hands, which I think no one present will ever forget.
This is an experience I can see myself relating to. Music holds so much power and emotion which can be seen in this scene.
My recollections of childhood are distinct, perhaps for the reason that many stirring incidents are associated with that period. I am now on the shady side of forty, and as I sit alone in my room the brain is busy, and a rapidly moving panorama brings scene after scene before me, some Page 18 pleasant and others sad; and when I thus greet old familiar faces, I often find myself wondering if I am not living the past over again. The visions are so terribly distinct that I almost imagine them to be real. Hour after hour I sit while the scenes are being shifted; and as I gaze upon the panorama of the past, I realize how crowded with incidents my life has been. Every day seems like a romance within itself, and the years grow into ponderous volumes. As I cannot condense, I must omit many strange passages in my history. From such a wilderness of events it is difficult to make a selection, but as I am not writing altogether the history of myself, I will confine my story to the most important incidents which I believe influenced the moulding of my character.
I am not sure if people were aware back then, but from my understanding traumatic events can have an effect on our minds and memory. I have heard of people who are not able to recall prior memories and when they are able to, it is often to come back over time in small segments almost like a puzzle. I wonder if this was simular.
I would not have been human had I not rebelled against the robbery. God rules the Universe. I was a feeble instrument in His hands, and through me and the enslaved millions of my race, one of the problems was solved that belongs to the great problem of human destiny; and the solution was developed so gradually that there was no great convulsion of the harmonies of natural laws
If you do not fight for your natural rights= I would not be human.
I can see this angle from a couple perspectives.
The argument as to why we need an Anti-Slavery movement in place... Enslaved people were treated as if they were animals/often compared to animals so if they were to accept it.... They were in a sense allowing these actions to take place which then confirms that reality (not literally, more so figure)
We continuously see the pattern of Christianity within our text. Through this example we get the understanding that we are God's instruments and now it's time to do right by God. Through this, it is understood that Anti-Slavery movements are God working through people in order to restore his Glory that slavery is preventing.
I have kind, true-hearted friends in the South as well as in the North, and I would not wound those Southern Page xii friends by sweeping condemnation, simply because I was once a slave
I believe that this helps contribute to the tone of the text. There are many cases where the world is seen as strictly black and white (not in the case of race but either one way or the other). In this case, the author makes it clear that this is very much their reality and all aspects will be taken into consideration, that being not everyone in the south or north was all perfect or all terrible.
What were ways that enslaved people were effected both mentally and emotionally?
The sight was enough to move the heart of anyone, and it so affected Franksthat he wished he had “never owned a Negro.
I wonder what the purpose was for including this in the text and what affect it has on the audience. It demonstrates how much impact losing Maggie had on Mammy Judy to the point where it affected Mr. Frank too.
“The Colonel and the Judge! If any such understanding exist, it is withoutmy knowledge and consent, and ——” “It is true, my dear,” interposed the Colonel, “but ——” “Then,” replied she, “heaven grant that I may go too! from——”
I think this demonstrates how Mrs. Frank had no power. She did not have any say about what was to come.
The Judge, as you know, has a countryseat in Cuba near thecity of Havana, where we design making every year our winter retreat. As wecannot take with us either free Negroes or white servants, on account of theexisting restrictions, I must have a slave, and of course I prefer a well-trainedone, as I know all yours to be. The price will be no object; as I know it will benone to you, it shall be none to me.”
I did not initially know this was the reason for trying to get rid of Maggie.
Maggie had long been the favorite maidservant of her mistress, havingattained the position through merit. She was also nurse and foster mother tothe two last children of Mrs. Franks, and loved them, to all appearance, as herown. The children reciprocated this affection, calling her “Mammy.”
This reminds me of the movie "The Help" where the maidservant were the ones taking care of the children and practically raising them. I wonder if this is another depiction of southern women.
Mrs. Ballard possessed the highest intelligence, and Mrs. Maria Franks wasamong the most accomplished of Southern ladies.
When I first read over this statement, I did not think much of it until I continued on with the conversation. It is interesting to see how Mrs. Ballard ( a woman of the north ) is carrying the conversation with Colonel Franks while Mrs. Franks remains more so silent, I think this is meant to show comparison of the women in the North and South.
I am sure that some of those who purchased slaves of Mr. Walker were dreadfully cheated, especially in the ages of the slaves which they bought.
As learned also, this shows how much illusion was being creating when they were auctioning off slaves. It is also a shock because William Wells Brown did well on using language to show how slaves were treated (like livestock)
I accidentally let the pitcher fall upon the floor, breaking it in pieces, and spilling the contents. This was a bad affair for me; for as soon Page 37as prayer was over, I was taken and severely chastised.
To me, this was upsetting to read because even after being out of worship, you wouldn't think that you immediate response would be to beat somebody. This just shows how proslavery argued that Christianity would be in support of such action.
My master and mistress were great lovers of mint julep, and every morning, a pitcher-full was made, of which they all partook freely, not excepting little master William. After drinking freely all round, they would have family worship, and then breakfast.
From what I have learned, mint julep is a strong alcoholic beverage which is why it would be funny/ironic that a pitcher would be the start of their morning before worship and breakfast. From what I have also learned, this is also an argument being made about alcoholism.
worked that day with a pleasure I had never before experienced. I was at work for myself and newly-married wife. It was to me the starting-point of a new existence.
I feel that this moment shows a lot of the character Douglas embodies. I also think this can show the audience how the accusations on slaves trying to rise for supremacy is then cut. This shows how simply having the abilities and opportunities of a free man was. That is until we run into the issue of colored people not being able to find employment. The fight doesn't end with just being free.
I LEFT Master Thomas's house, and went to live with Mr. Covey, on the 1st of January, 1833.
Throughout the chapters, we see the progression of placing time with events. I find this to be a creative and useful technique. I wonder if this is indicating as though he started from a place where he did not know much of himself or his background, he now is in a place where he is finding himself and learning more about him and the world he lives in. He became more aware of his surroundings and himself.
He prayed morning, noon, and night. He very soon distinguished himself among his brethren, and was soon made a class-leader and exhorter. His activity in revivals was great, and he proved himself an instrument in the hands of the church in converting many souls. His house was the preachers' home. They used to take great pleasure in coming there to put up; for while he starved us, he stuffed them.
This continues the argument as to how slave owners used religion as a way to not only excuse the acts of abuse but also make them just. This was the argument that the more religious slave owners tended to be the most harmful.
By this time, my little Master Thomas had gone to school, and learned how to write, and had written over a number of copy-books. These had been brought home, and shown to some of our near neighbors, and then laid aside. My mistress used to go to class meeting at the Wilk Street meeting house every Monday afternoon, and leave me to take care of the house. When left thus, I used to spend the time in writing in the spaces left in Master Thomas's copy-book, copying what he had written. I continued to do this until I could write a hand very similar to that of Master Thomas. Thus, after a long, tedious effort for years, I finally succeeded in learning how to write.
it's amazing to think that a lot of black people at this time period could not read or write, and if they did it was mostly self-taught.
We were not regularly allowanced. Our food was coarse corn meal boiled. This was called mush. It was put into a large wooden tray or trough, and set down upon the ground. The children were then called, like so many pigs, and like so many pigs they would come and devour the mush; some with oyster-shells, others with pieces of shingle, some with naked hands, and none with spoons. He that ate fastest got most; he that was strongest secured the best place; and few left the trough satisfied.
To me, this was crazy to even think about how dehumanizing this was. This would allow readers to see how troubling slavery was, and it adds on to show how the people who were treating the slaves this was were often rewarded for doing so or faced little consequences.
He argued that if one slave refused to be corrected, and escaped with his life, the other slaves would soon copy the example; the result of which would be, the freedom of the slaves, and the enslavement of the whites. Mr. Gore's defence was satisfactory. He was continued in his station as overseer upon the home plantation. His fame as an overseer went abroad.
This just shows how difficult it was for slaves to rebel to begin with. We often think that if we are put in certain positions we would react in a different manner, but in this reality even simply disobeying small orders can result in losing your life. Along with that, this shows the argument many white slave owners would use to excuse the abuse they were causing.
Mr. Severe was rightly named: he was a cruel man. I have seen him whip a woman, causing the blood to run half an hour at the time; and this, too, in the midst of her crying children, pleading for their mother's release. He seemed to take pleasure in manifesting his fiendish barbarity. Added to his cruelty, he was a profane swearer. It was enough to chill the blood and stiffen the hair of an ordinary man to hear him talk.
People who may have tried to argue that physical discipline was within reason would have their argument fall on this idea alone which is causing physical pain for pleasure.I think that showing that side of the situation is needed to further show people the cruelty of slavery.
Frequently, before the child has reached its twelfth month, its mother is taken from it, and hired out on some farm a considerable distance off, and the child is placed under the care of an old woman, too old for field labor. For what this separation is done, I do not know, unless it be to hinder the development of the child's affection toward its mother, and to blunt and destroy the natural affection of the mother for the child. This is the inevitable result.
A lot of people identify with family and family tends to be a priority for most. This demonstrates how cruel slavery really was. To the point where mother would be separated from child.
Maryland. I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing it. By far the larger part of the slaves know as little of their ages as horses know of theirs, and it is the wish of most masters within my knowledge to keep their slaves thus ignorant. I do not remember to have ever met a slave who could tell of his birthday.
Being a autobiography, authors tend to begin by telling details about their life. I feel that age is something I strongly identify with and being that he doesn't know his true age is like a missing piece from a puzzle. I also wanted to note how it was the master's knowledge. It is crazy to thick how someone could hold information about yourself from you.
When all the powers of earth and hell Combine to break his spirit down, And strive, with their terrific yell, To crush his soul beneath their frown-When numerous friends, whose cheerful tone In happier hours once cheered him on, With visions that foll brightly shone, But now, alas! are dimmed and gone!
This to me is a good connection to the title of the poem. From this quote, it is like the poet is saying that even when they feel as if rock bottom hit and have nothing and no one left, then it is God that he has.
O h . avers pen_ , ~ t rust mto a prison cell • \V1th thieves and d • \Vhile that same t?1ur ehrers to dwell-H d t ag w ose · a leen their guide thro str~pes and stars As. proudly waved abov ·hugh freedom's wars Of dealers in th t' t c pen Or c_ould the sh:d::~Js ~f men! \,\, ho fell beneath of all the dead Visit the scenes\ h that starry flag ' v ere th . . ey once bled 2-Spirit.s. •
I think Whitfield took an interesting approach as far as the styling. I say this because the topic is quite serious, but reads in the form of a riddle/rhyme. I wonder why that writing choice was chosen and it's purpose for the audience. When I think of riddles, they are known to be easier to read and understand. It is also a more entertaining read because it rhymes.
Stripped of those _r,•r h-~ human race. Bequeathed to a l t. d <l t.:ranl ._ no . Boun to a petty _Y • 1--h . ·1 o.-1 ler c1ce
This is a similar religious argument being used in order to combat slavery. It is the argument that man has no right to stripped another man of the rights God has given them.
One claimed superior rights and privileges for man on the ground of superior intellect; another, because of the manhood of Christ.
This shows the ideal argument as to why men believed that they were superior to women. I feel that this is a reminder as to how bold it was for Truth to do what she did. It was known to start a stir.
And how came Jesus into the world? Through God who created him and~ woman who bore him. Man, where is your part? But the women are ~om1ng u~ ~lesse~ be God and a few of the men are coming up with them. ut man is in a tight place, the poor slave is on hi . . him, he is surely betwe h k d b m, woman 1s coming on en a aw an a uzzard.
This is an example of Truth using religious aspects to further her argument on equality for women. Here Truth is saying a woman bore Jesus. If God gave a woman a task such as that, how could man well women that they are not of importance. I feel that she executed this well.
I have as much muscle as any man, and can do as much work as any man. I have plowed and reaped and husked and chopped and mowed, and can any man do more than that? I have heard much about. the sexes being equal. I can carry as much as any man, and can eat as rnuch too, if I can get it. I am as strong as any man that is now. As for inte1~,2ct., all I can say is, if woman have a pint, and man a quart-. why can't she have her little pint full?
This was a significant time for the feminist wave. During this period, women were still not able to vote. Women were still trying to earn their basic rights and trying to be seen as equals. I compare that to feminism today because now feminism covers such a large spectrum, for example gender neutrality. It shows how much feminism has grown since then.
You are not certain of heaven, because you suffer yourselves to remain in a state of slavery, where you cannot obey the commandments of the Sovereign of the uni-verse. If the ignorance of slavery is a passport to heaven, then it is a blessing, and no curse, and you should rather desire its perpetuity than its abolition.
I feel that this is a turn around point. This is letting the audience know that it will take action. If I heard"You are not certain of heaven", I feel that it would get my attention. That would then cause me to listen as to what I need to do in order to get that assurance. I think that it would also do the same to the people listening.
He requires you to love him supremely, and your neighbor as yourself—to keep the Sabbath day holy—to search the Scriptures—and bring up your children with respect for his laws, and to worship no other God but him.
This also shows similarity to the last reading that we did this week. This is the idea that putting anyone one else on the level of supremacy is a sin. No other but God should be worshipped. This is an argument as to why slavery is a sin, and why they should NOT treat any man with such esteem. Every man deserves their liberty.
Slavery had stretched its dark wings of death over the land, the Church stood silently by—the priests prophesied falsely, and the people loved to have it so.
Author shows signs of using personification within their writing. I think this is an interesting tactic to use, because it adds more color to their language. I like the use of personification, because it allows readers to look at the situation as if it was a person and how it would act.
They think because they hold us in their infernal chains of slavery, that we wish to be white, or of their color--but they are dreadfully deceived--we wish to be just as it pleased our Creator to have made us, and no avaricious and unmerciful wretches, have any business to make slaves of, or hold us in slavery. How would they like for us to make slaves of, and hold them in cruel slavery, and murder them as they do us?--
In this annotation, I want to note how this is establishing the idea of equality. That black people were not less than white and did not desire to be white.... rather just seeking their rights as everyone should have being a child of God.
And yet they are calling for Peace!--Peace! ! Will any peace be given unto them? Their destruction may indeed be procrastinated awhile, but can it continue long, while they are oppressing the Lord's people? Has He not the hearts of all men in His hand? Will he suffer one part of his creatures to go on oppressing another like brutes always, with impunity? And yet, those avaricious wretches are calling for Peace! ! ! !
This is also a historical/religious argument that the author has made. I think this is also I interesting point to make, which is how people can cry for peace, but is causing pain onto other people. The reason why I consider this to fall into history is because the author is talking about the Spaniard's field of battle.
All persons who are acquainted with history, and particularly the Bible, who are not blinded by the God of this world, and are not actuated solely by avarice--who are able to lay aside prejudice long enough to view candidly and impartially, things as they were, are, and probably will be--who are willing to admit that God made man to serve Him alone, and that man should have no other Lord or Lords but Himself--that God Almighty is the sole proprietor or master of the WHOLE human family, and will not on any consideration admit of a colleague, being unwilling to divide his glory with another--and who can dispense with prejudice long enough to admit that we are men, notwithstanding our improminent noses and woolly heads, and believe that we feel for our fathers, mothers, wives and children, as well as the whites do for theirs
I feel as if this is a significant point he has made as far as the type of argument the author is trying to make using religion. In this argument, he is saying how God did not intend man to worship man. The only person who should be in such position is God himself, and this counters slavery.
he ax£. it· a ter poisoning her you might as floor, but, as it rolled, the head dei· t'· and Alfred's head r~lled across the ' h ' G fi s inctly -. t er. . . eorges at r~t believed he had pr?nounced the final syllable, hke a funeral knell, rang in his ears T b n11sheard, but the word father, pouch .... 'Ah!' he cried out, 'I'm cu;se~ .. e ~ertain, he opened the fateful · · An explosion was heard
Couldn't highlight everything I wanted to annotate, but the truth was brought up in such a traumatic way and in the end resulted in his own death. Did the truth really set him free ?
Don't worry, master, they'll have to walk o~er my ho Y e ore t ey get to you,' said the slave with a calm and resigned air.
The man that treated his mother like an object is also the man he is protecting and looks up too. How will he react when he finds out it is his father ?
Alfred may have been a decent man, humane and loyal with his equals; but you can be certain he was a hard, cruel man toward his slaves. I won't tell you everything he did in order to possess Lai'sa; for in the end she was virtu-ally raped. For almost a year, she shared her master's bed. But Alfred was already beginning to tire of her; he found her ugly, cold, and insolent. About this time the poor woman gave birth to a boy and gave him the name Georges. Alfred refused to recogniz~ him, drove the mother from his presence, and relegated her to the most miserable hut on his lands, despite the fact that he knew very well, as well as one can, that he was the child's fathe "G · h r .
it's a drastic transition between how she embodied beauty and then to hear how her master then found her to be 'ugly' and 'cold'. I think that for readers, it exposes much truth about how black men and women were objectified (in this case, her having the master's child and her brother being whipped). It is spoken as if her master saw her to have lost her initial value. It is also important to note how it began, 'humane' and 'decent', when in reality have done heinous actions.
To my knowledge, only the three black denominations dis- cussed above published their own hymnals during the antebellum period. Presumably, other black churches used hymnals published by the white mother churches. Except for Allen's landmark hymnal of 1801, the hymnals published by the black church in the nineteenth century were hardly distinguisha
This again reiterates the point that this was a new community forming amongst black people at this time. This point was also made in the previous text about how this was the establishment of black churches beginning a transitional stage.
Although Allen's collection contains no Negro spirituals, it does indicate the kinds of source materials used by black Christians in composing Negro spirituals, and thus throws light on the origin of the spiritual. Obviously the black folk composers culled lines and phrases from their favorite hymns and Scriptural passages, and adapted motifs, images, and themes from such sources to compose the texts of their spirituals, to which they then added verses of their own invention. Such a process is revealed by analysis of the text structures and documented in contemporary reports. One dis- approving church father complained: "the coloured people get together, and sing for hours together, short scraps of disjointed affirmations, pledges, or prayers, lengthened with long repetition choruses (Watson [1819] 1983, 63).
As previously stated, Allen would attract many converted ex-slaves. So I do see how having influence from Negro Spirituals would pull in an audience. This is not only a new concept of hymns in which they are now able to have another way of praise, but it also shows characteristics in which is also very relatable for ex-slaves. This could give a sense of both comfort and enlightenment.
We know from contemporary sources that the black Methodists were noted for their singing and exuberance in worship (Southern 1983, 77-79).1 The novelty of the 1801 publication arises from the fact of the enterprising young minister's publishing his own hym- nal instead of using the official Methodist hymnal. After all, Bethel was still under the governance of the Methodist Society in
I would mark this as a similarity found in the other text as well. Both authors are recognizing and ensuring to credit Allen for publishing his own hymns without the influence of the American hymns already published. A difference I found is that in this text, the author discusses further Allen's relation to the church and how he saw himself (African Minister)
The style is characteristic of Allen’s known penchant for working po-etry and hymnody into his preaching,19 and the ambiguity of the nation leaves the reader to identify the “us” that the poem invokes: is it African-descent Christians? Americans? Methodists? This flexibility of reference and community may have helped to fuel the text’s travels
I think that this is very interesting to note. Allen's style of writing allowed it to spread further. As shown, Allen preached in such a poetic way while also generalizing having it be able to shared with many.
But the material fact of the book went beyond congregational utility to make the statement that its very existence assumed a market, a church, an imagined community united by texts shared and honored with a binding. The members of Bethel could be a people of the book, not only in their study and celebra-tion of God’s written Word but also in their chosen words to respond back to God.
I think this shows why this moment was so important even for today's world. This was more than Allen just publishing a hymn, this was created with the idea that people would be able to come together as one and have a way of celebrating and creating a stronger relationship with God. Hymns gave you the opportunity to not only take in the word of God, but in response as well.
want to pursue here is why Allen should want to make a book, or two, to begin with. At one level, it was a show of dignified protest in a very Methodist vein.
To me, this is important to note. Reasons as to why Allen wanted to produce his own hymnbook when there were already American hymnbooks in existence. Along with that, being able to create a hymnbook without influence from others. From previous text that we have read regarding religious impact, it has come from a place of "being relieved from pagan ways and finding God through slavery" to being able to not be dependent on the values previously emplaced, and finding your own path of worship.
Let sin, that baneful evil to the soul, 25: By you be shun'd, nor once remit your guard;
I am wondering if this is a direct focus on stanza one when the writer is talking about "the land of errors, and Egyptian gloom" or discussing sin as a whole. Just curious. I see this poem really once again highlighting the Christian journey the author has gone through, and their devotion.
'TWAS mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
This can already foreshadow how the author feels about their practices from their once home. In this poem, it is highlighting the Christian lifestyle, and not the lifestyle from their native land.
Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.
I feel that this is an interesting perspective for the author to hold. It is almost reminding me when people say "and you to can.....".
the Revolutionists like lions, rushed on to the fight with a simultaneous cry of "Freedom or Death!" The French, great in number, fought in obedience to a cruel master. The Haytiens for liberty and independence, and toobtain their rights of which they long have been unjustly deprived.
I think it's important to how it's described that the revolutionist had willpower while the french came in large numbers. I think that shows a lot in terms of what type of fight this was.
he unhappy Paulina, and with horror she heard that her beloved brother in his attempt to regain St. Nicholas, breathed out his valuable life in the cause of freedom, and for his country. But it was now no time to indulge in grief -Safety was the object of the wretched villagers.
In this moment, she lost someone so important to her (her brother) but has to put her emotions aside because their priority at this moment is to find safety. She had mentioned previously about a letter.
Each one's heart was the abode of fear and doubt, while the dense smoke, escaping the despot's fury, and evading the implacable resentment of those armed in the justice of their cause, was seen to overtop the dusky hills, winding its way upwards in sulphureous columns, as if, to supplicate at the Eternal's Throne, and plead the cause of the injured.
I feel that this would be good to annotate, because this gives the audience a picture as to what is going on. The Haytiens feel fear and anxiety while the air was filled with smoke. The reason why I wanted to annotate this is because, I feel that this paints the revolution in how it effected Haytiens.
And thus escaped the dreadful slaughter.
using words such as "escaped" "dreadful" and "slaughter" shows readers how gruesome the event was. This is the author's choice of diction. When you hear words like that, there are already images that pop up in your head as to how you personally associate those words. That makes you feel for what is going on.
Before he did the Indians see, Was shot and killed immediately
In these two lines, the author describes how Hawks died without even having a fighting chance. This paints a picture in the audience's head as to how there was basically no chance for them to survive. The ambush was severe.
The names of whom I'll not leave out
This reminds me of when people say 'gone, but not forgotten'. it has become part of our culture where we acknowledge the ones we have lost.
uponWhichhecameintoseeandtoexamine,withagreattorchlightedinhishand,whoitwas1hadwithme;butfindingnobody,heturnedround,andalkedmewhoitWas?ItoldhimitwastheLordJesusChrist;buthemadehoanswer,turnedaway,wentoot,andlockedthedoor.Atthehourappointedformyexecution
This flips the circumstances with my last annotation where he did not initially answer, and now there again is no answer in return back to him.
HeaskedmewhomyLordJesuswas?—TothisfgavehimMoanswer,butcontinuedprayingandweeping.
I think this piece is interesting to note. Why it was that this would be his reaction and in what way did he want the audience to take it. I just feel that his response (being nothing) is impactful to the reading in a sense.
ccordinglyIwent,buteveryeveningIwassentfortoplayonmusic,somewhereoranother;andIoftencontinuedoutverylate,sometimesallnight,soastorendermeincapableofattendingmymaster'sbusinessthenextday;yetinthismannerIservedhimayearandfourmonths,andwasmuchapprovedofbyhim.Jiewrotealettertomymothertocomeandhavemebound,andwhilstmymotherwasweighingthematterinherownmind,thegraciouspurposesofGod,respectingaperishingsinner,werenowtobedisclosed.
He reiterates his devotion to music and his faith. Him reminding his audience of this instills the significance of the two and what role it played within his life. There are the said things that keep him grounded, and he expresses how he owes it to God how was able to do what he cared much about (music). He also discusses the letter which he also uses to show why he holds his faith.
He thus died without informing his enemies of the place where his money lay. I saw him while he was thus tortured to death. The shocking scene is to this day fresh in my mind, and I have often been overcome while thinking on it. He was a man of remarkable stature. I should judge as much as six feet and six or seven inches high, two feet across his shoulders, and every way well proportioned. He was a man of remarkable strength and resolution, affable, kind and gentle, ruling with equity and moderation.
another major point within the text. even though he described his experience with the enemies as tolerable. The experiences he witnessed his father endure are traumatic. This is not only an example of a son losing his father, but people losing their sense of security and ownership. They left in order to avoid an attack and still was not successful in escaping from the enemy.
My father told the messenger he would comply rather than that his subjects should be deprived of their rights and privileges, which he was not then in circumstances to defend from so sudden an invasion. Upon turning out those articles, the enemy pledged their faith and honor that they would not attack him. On these he relied and therefore thought it unnecessary to be on his guard against the enemy. But their pledges of faith and honor proved no better than those of other unprincipled hostile nations; for a few days after a certain relation of the king came and informed him, that the enemy who sent terms of accommodation to him and received tribute to their satisfaction, yet meditated an attack upon his subjects by surprise, and that probably they would commence their attack in less than one day, and concluded with advising him, as he was not prepared for war, to order a speedy retreat of his family and subjects. He complied with this advice.
In the introduction, the writer describes how his father hold prestige (prince of the tribe of dukandarra). I think this annotation gives good insight as to the type of leadership their tribe holds. This gives you a sense of what type of community this is and following communities around. It also shows insight as to how opposite the 'attackers' are. A direct contrast the writer may want the writer to take note of. To see the reading from his eyes.
. A detachment from the enemy came to my father and informed him, that the whole army was encamped not far out of his dominions, and would invade the territory and deprive his people of their liberties and rights, if he did not comply with the following terms. These were to pay them a large sum of money, three hundred fat cattle, and a great number of goats, sheep, asses, &c.
I view this as one of the turning points within the reading. Prior to this, Venture Smith seemed to have found little trouble within his life aside from moving but even that didn't seem to hold much a toll on him. I also have to remind myself that I am reading this in present day which makes me feel more aware as to the possibilities that may occur. If I was reading this account when it was first released, I know that this turning point may throw the audience for a loop as to what can happen.
Our women too were in my eyes at least uncommonly graceful, alert, and modest to a degree of bashfulness; nor do I remember to have ever heard of an instance of incontinence amongst them before marriage. They are also remarkably cheerful. Indeed cheerfulness and affability are two of the leading characteristics of our nation.
This is painting a portrait as to what the women in the community were like. Reasons for doing this may be because the author has already established a truthful and open relationship with their audience so now when it is time for the author paint a portrait, the audience will be more willing to listen and gain sympathy. Now the audience can see this women as nothing far from innocent.
If then the following narrative does not appear sufficiently interesting to engage general attention, let my motive be some excuse for its publication. I am not so foolishly vain as to expect from it either immortality or literary reputation. If it affords any satisfaction to my numerous friends, at whose request it has been written, or in the smallest degree promotes the interests of humanity, the ends for which it was undertaken will be fully attained, and every wish of my heart gratified. Let it therefore be remembered, that, in wishing to avoid censure, I do not aspire to praise.
This relates back to the first annotation I had made and felt that noting it would further explain my initial idea. From this annotation, it suggest that this publication is merely just to put out into the world and expects nothing more than someone to have some engagement with the text He doesn't show any sign of pursuing personal gain.
People generally think those memoirs only worthy to be read or remembered which abound in great or striking events, those, in short, which in a high degree excite either admiration or pity: all others they consign to contempt and oblivion. It is therefore, I confess, not a little hazardous in a private and obscure individual, and a stranger too, thus to solicit the indulgent attention of the public; especially when I own I offer here the history of neither a saint, a hero, nor a tyrant. I believe there are few events in my life, which have not happened to many: it is true the incidents of it are numerous; and, did I consider myself an European,
Within this annotation, this portion provides insight as to how the writer wishes their audience to perceive them as. For example , the writer doesn't want the audience to take them for a saint or wish pity on them, rather take the reading for what it provides. It allows the audience to create more trust for the account, because rather than the writer coming off as someone who strives for personal gain he comes off truthful even though the events are not common.