"Our Nig" as an Anti-Sentimentalist Novel

As we discussed in class, "Our Nig" can be considered an Anti-Sentimentalist novel. However, it is important to read the background information provided with the novel as it can play a large role on how one would characterize the genre.

Freeman chooses not to dwell on her short-lived marriage in the story as she focuses on issues that can be considered more difficult, or issues that men could handle. In this sense, we can label the story anti-sentimentalist because she constructs the audience to view her in a more masculine role by leaving minimal room for attachment. To dwell on her emotional ties with her husband would be less convincing to the audience of her tough interior.

The audience could say the same about the death of her son, however, this is why it is important to read the background information that comes with the story. We learn that only a year later her son died and that is why his death is not included in the story. Had we not realized his death came after, we might think she purposely excluded this from the novel.