Question

Excerpt from Slave Life in Georgia: A Narrative of the Life, Sufferings, and Escape of John Brown, A Fugitive Slave, Now in England by John Brown I really thought my mother would have died of grief at being obliged to leave her two children, her mother, and her relations behind. But it was of no use lamenting, the few things we had were put together that night, and we completed our preparations for being parted for life by kissing one another over and over again, and saying good bye till some of us little ones fell asleep. . . . And here I may as well tell what kind of man our new master was. He was of small stature, and thin, but very strong. He had sandy hair, a very red face, and chewed tobacco. His countenance had a very cruel expression, and his disposition was a match for it. He was, indeed, a very bad man, and used to flog us dreadfully. He would make his slaves work on one meal a day, until quite night, and after supper, set them to burn brush or spin cotton. We worked from four in the morning till twelve before we broke our fast, and from that time till eleven or twelve at night . . . we labored eighteen hours a day.

Use the excerpt to answer the question.
This excerpt is from the autobiography of an escaped slave named John Brown. In a paragraph, describe at least three details the author discusses about slavery in the early to mid-1800s.

Answer 1

The excerpt from John Brown's autobiography highlights the harsh realities of slavery in the early to mid-1800s. Three key details include the emotional pain of family separation, the physical cruelty of slaveholders, and the grueling and excessive working hours imposed on slaves.

Step-by-step explanation:

John Brown's narrative vividly portrays the emotional toll of slavery, emphasizing the heart-wrenching experience of being forcibly separated from family members. The author's depiction of his mother's grief and the tearful goodbyes among siblings underscores the profound human suffering inflicted by the institution of slavery.

Additionally, the excerpt sheds light on the brutal nature of slaveholders during this period. The detailed description of the new master, a man with a cruel expression, red face, and a penchant for physical punishment, offers a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by slaves. The mention of relentless flogging and the imposition of excessive working hours underscores the pervasive cruelty inherent in the system.

Furthermore, the narrative reveals the extreme working conditions endured by slaves, providing insight into the labor-intensive and exploitative nature of slavery. The slaves' daily routine, which involved working from four in the morning until late at night with minimal sustenance, highlights the oppressive and inhumane treatment they endured. This portrayal of eighteen-hour workdays exemplifies the exploitation and disregard for the well-being of enslaved individuals.

In summary, John Brown's account offers a poignant glimpse into the emotional anguish, physical brutality, and excessive labor demands that characterized the lives of enslaved individuals in the early to mid-1800s. The narrative serves as a powerful testament to the inhumanity of slavery during this historical period.