Incidents in the life of a slave girl (treatment of Black women towards White Males).
Harriet Jacobs (Linda Brent) is an incredibly strong willed person, as a black female living in a major slave era. Harriet is an historical figure that refused to accept she was inferior to her white male masters. She stood up for what she believed in and showed profound perseverance in searching for freedom. Living in this time was especially trying for any African American, much less a woman. There were many instances demonstrating the power and courage of these oppressed slave women.
Harriet's grandmother exhibited power over Dr. James Norcom, the slave holder of her children and grandchildren. Despite being an elderly black woman, she was well respected in the community. She had the power to ruin his reputation in the community. A reputation is all a person has; wealth can bring you power but when nobody respects you, that power can collapse. It would not be outlandish to think that Dr. Norcom was somewhat scared of blank.
Another example of power was her ability to buy freedom for her family members. She exerted much energy and perseverance in finding a way to do this. Harriet's grandmother found a way to gain money in a society where it was difficult for a black woman to do so. She would find a way to look after and provide for them when needed. Through her never failing love of family she found the determination to succeed.
Harriet's grandmother was her guardian and provider. She acted in this way because of much love for Harriet, and also because Harriet's mother died when she was a small child. She allowed Harriet to hide at her house for seven years. During these seven years she provided Harriet with food and clothes as best she could. Most of her income went towards protecting and nourishing Harriet. In essence, everything in her life was devoted to helping her family. She proved to be a remarkable female in an era where it was amazingly complicated for a black woman to pull through.
