Class Post (#2 & #3 & Discussion Question)

2) The word ‘impetuous’ used on page 14 in the last paragraph can best be defined as “moving with a great violent force and rash energy; vehement.” Its strong and intense connotation within the passage brings out the personal voice of Harriet Wilson, author of “Our Nig”. The reader can really hear the anger and frustration hidden behind the veil of the narration. She is mad at herself for being so impulsive and reckless, running into the house and leaving her mother for good; regrets childhood ignorance.

Although ‘invalid’ is a word used in association with error or unimportance, its context on page 15 draws from a more historical understanding. In the last sentence it is used to describe Jane, but in terms of sickly and infirm, feeble and weak. By this disability however, the reader learns that she is not like her mother and sister, she is more compassionate and sympathetic towards Frado, for she too is susceptible to their wrath. Wilson uses this as a tool to set up the family system within the house by possibly pulling from her own experiences.

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3) There are many different meanings hidden within the cover page that at first glance, a reader would not recognize. The poem, once digested, is one example of this, however I’ve decided to pursue something else. By just comparing font alone, say, between ‘OUR NIG’ and ‘Sketches from the Life of a Free Black’ we can see that there is a substantial difference that reveals much about the reader’s perception of the book. ‘OUR NIG’ is written in all caps, bold and large, giving it an asinine and impudent feeling. Just seeing it so provoked in text brings about a sense of dim irony, knowing that such an unintelligent expression was to be used by the white Bellmont family, whereas “Sketches from the Life of a Free Black” is written in eloquent English calligraphy, giving it sophistication and refinement. Such a polished classy style is what we would expect of the white Bellmont family, however the line has been given more complexity and consideration then any white person would attribute to little black Frado. This line is Wilson’s perspective, and is written this way to show that Frado’s life is more than just one of a ‘Nig’, of a dull servant girl; it has all the character, emotion, and passion of human life, a notion that was often ignored by the white dominated pre-Civil War world (as shown by the date of print: 1859).

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Discussion Question

Gender plays a slightly unorthodox role within the pages of “Our Nig”, specifically the identities and characteristics of what we would classify as female. The first issue is one of maternal impulses as portrayed through Mag, Frado’s mother. When Seth brings up the topic about giving her children away her first response is “Who’ll take the black devils?” (11). In this instant reply we see no trace of love, kinship, or maternal protection, something we would expect in her presumed desperation to keep her beloved little ones. Immediately this behavior comes as a shock and is followed through with the fact that Mag blatantly abandons Frado herself on the threshold of the white house, offering only a flimsy lie to both Mrs. Bellmont and her daughter before “Mag hastily departed” (14).

Within the house itself the reader also finds a sort of role-reversal in effect between Mr. and Mrs. Bellmont. She is domineering, harsh, and in control, while he is more humane, compassionate, and kind. Often times it is Mrs. Bellmont who is calling the shots and making decisions for Frado’s fate and its Mr. Bellmont behind the scenes helping her out. Mary as well plays a role of cruelty and likewise Jack “resolved to do what he could to protect [Frado]…” (21). When questioned on his passive behavior by Aunt Abby, Mr. Bellmont replies, “How am I to help it? Women rule the earth, and all in it” (25) showing his submission to his wife, a gender reversal practically unheard of in that time period. Only on rare and decisive occasions does he put his foot down about something, however repercussions from Mrs. Bellmont are always severe on poor Frado.

Frado herself also seems to have a sort of ‘masculine’ aspect. She is mentioned as a protégé of Jack’s and often receives encouragement and platonic companionship with the hired men. She did very hard ‘manly’ work from before dawn until late after dark, laboring intensively and tirelessly on nearly anything that needed to be toiled over be it cattle, hauling firewood, or fixing a roof.

This role-reversal aspect within “Our Nig” is set up by Wilson to have several different effects. With Mag’s abandonment, Frado will consequently realize that she can only depend on herself. With Mrs. Bellmont’s tyranny, she will learn that life is unconventional and that spite can come from any angle. But as being compared to masculine characteristics, I believe that Wilson is empowering Frado (or herself if we wish to combine the two) and showing the reader she is a strong and durable person, capable of many labors and hardships. By putting an emphasis on gender identity, the reader can decipher more about an individual character and therefore add dimensional complexity to the overall story, which is more or less, an autobiography of Harriet Wilson’s life.