Question

How might the fact that Turner made his Confessions to a white man while in jail awaiting execution have influenced what he said? How might Gray have shaped Turner 's testimony? If one assumes, for the sake of argument, that Gray wrote exactly what Turner said, do you think Turner gave an accurate account of his beliefs and motives? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Turner's confessions to Gray in jail may have been influenced by the circumstances, and Gray could have shaped Turner's testimony. It is uncertain whether Turner's account accurately reflects his beliefs and motives.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thomas R. Gray, a lawyer, interviewed Nat Turner while he was in jail, awaiting execution. Gray later published The Confessions of Nat Turner, claiming it was a faithful account of their conversations. However, due to the circumstances under which the confessions were made, there may be some influence on Turner's statements. Gray may have shaped Turner's testimony to fit a certain narrative or amplify certain aspects. Therefore, it is difficult to determine if Turner's account accurately represents his beliefs and motives.