Class Discussion for 10/8/09

2.) The word amalgamate is defined as “to mix or merge as to make a combination; blend; unite; combine.” In Our Nig, a form of the word, amalgamation is used on page 9. In the context, it is describing the marriage of Mag and Jim. The union between the two is in fact a combination of two races and a mixture of ethnic background.

 

On page 8 in Our Nig, the word severance is used in the phrase, “Pity and love know little severance” (Wilson 9).  The definition of severance is simply separation, or the act of being separated. In context, the phrase is depicting Jim’s feelings toward Mag; it is very easy for Jim to pity Mag because he loves her, and also he can love her because he pities her.

 

3.) After analyzing the first page of Our Nig, there were several specific aspects that stuck out to me: the different fonts used, the phrases underneath the title, and the name of the author. Harriet E. Wilson chose to utilize four different fonts and various different sizes on the title sheet of her book. She most likely did this to draw the reader’s attention to the points she felt most important. Also, I believe she strategically used the phrases on the page to foreshadow the irony the story holds.  The phrase “In a two-story white house, north, showing that slavery’s shadows fall even there” forces the reader to notice the words “white house” and “slavery”.  This is ironic because most American’s would associate the White House with the government of the country, the promoters of justice. However, because she then states that even slavery occurs here, the reader is then to assume that there is prejudice in all parts of America, and the prejudice is stronger than the government. Finally, the cover sheet of a book almost always includes the author of the story; however, according to this title page, Our Nig was written by “Our Nig”. This statement allows the reader to infer that the story is more of an autobiography, and the author still does not have a sense of self-identity.

 

Discussion Question

 

The issues regarding race is a very predominant theme throughout the autobiography Our Nig. Based on the first thirty-four pages of the story, it is clear that there is extreme prejudice against African-Americans. This can be seen through the daily struggles that face Frado (Our Nig), a young black girl. Frado lived a rather unusual childhood, she was born mulatto because of her white mother and black father. After several struggles within the family, she was abandoned by her mother and set to work as a slave for an upper class white family.

 

The first unusual aspect of Frado’s life was that she was born to a white mother, but still considered a black child. This presented conflict within the family because of the varied races. For example, when Mag, Frado’s mother, was asked about the status of her children, she responds with “Who’ll take the black devils”(Wilson 11). This reaction allows the reader to assume that Mag believes herself to be in a higher standing than that of her family. She undoubtly feels this way because of the extreme racial prejudice during the time period. However, this passage also confirms that race has a stronger impact on a person than family, the one’s who are supposed to love unconditionally.

 

Mag’s disregard for her children’s well-being can be further seen when she abandons Frado at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Bellmont. The Bellmont’s are a well off, upper class family, which was looking to hire help at the time. Mag destined her daughter to live the life of a slave most likely because she believed a black child is made to have that particular lifestyle.

 

What Mag may not have been aware of, was that she was forcing her adolescent daughter into a world of tough labor, harsh punishment and demeaning ridicule. It was mentioned “Frado was called early in the morning by her new mistress. Her first work was to feed the hens.  She was shown how it was always to be done, and in no other way; any departure from this rule to e punished by whipping” (Wilson 17). This particular passage shows both the labor that Frado was exposed to as well as the punishments that were enforced upon her. Mrs. Bellmont felt this behavior acceptable, for Frado was an African-American child and her race therefore made her disposable. Also, it was decided that Frado would attend school; there the young girl encountered various forms of criticisms. The students at the school jeered at her and would say such things as, “’See the nigger,’ shouted one. ‘Look! Look!’ cried another. ‘I won’t play with her,’ said one little girl. ‘Nor I neither.’ Replied another” (Wilson 19).  The depths of racial discrimination are depicted clearly in this passage. Even white children believe they are in higher social standing because of the color of their skin, and refuse to interact with those of a different race.