Aminata's Identity In 'The Book Of Negroes'

A story always has a purpose; and whether that purpose is to inform, persuade, or entertain is always in the hands of its author. In The Book of Negroes, Lawrence Hill writes to illumine the truth. He writes to honour and remember the chilling history of North America, no matter how gruesome and depressing it may be. With a sweeping tale, Lawrence covers the journey of one particular girl who, despite all odds, survived captivity and was able to escape and tell her story. Even though his novel is fictional, Aminata's misfortune was very much a reality to hundreds of thousands of slaves. Lawrence understands the importance of the history behind his novel, and in turn uses several literary elements such as motifs to deepen the storyline, and

Even on the inhumane slave ship the homelanders found purpose when Aminata began to sing their names; “‘Chekura,’ I sang, ‘of Kinta. And Isa of Sirakoro. Ngolo, of Jelibugu. Fanta, of Bayo.’ The homelanders’ spirits picked up a little” (80). Despite the fact these people were ripped from their homeland and brutally branded like cattle they obtained courage and hope simply by acknowledging their individuality. However individuality was not a value valued by the slave owners becuase as soon as Aminata arrives at Applebee’s plantation she realizes that, “In this new land, I had a different name, given by someone who did not even know me”(127). While most people called her Meena for simplicities sake, the buckra men went one step further and would often use the name Mary as a blanket name for all African women. Aminata hated this knowing that the name was a direct jab at her self regard, as if her name wasn't even worth remembering. Despite this, Aminata does not underestimate her self-worth, and in turn uses her knowledge to make sure that other slaves realize their identity matters just like any other human being. She demonstrates this when she is writing down names in the Book of Negroes as well as teaching her friends in Nova Scotia how to write their own names. It is clear that the characters gain a

Aminata. Aminata. Aminata.”

Aminata’s desire and determination to find her way home and ultimately, to find freedom is conveyed through her intrigue with maps. The map of the world represents her struggle and perseverance to hbdfhsrudfhj c Without her perseverance it is safe to say she never would have seen her homeland again. It is amazing to see her struggle through the hardest times, living by the hope that one day she will return to Bayo. However she learns that even in Africa, that freedom is hard to come by and that home is wherever the heart is.
“Something burst out of me before I could contain it. ‘Where do I come from?’ I asked. King smiled at me. He seemed to think this was truly funny. ‘That’s for you to tell us.’”
“‘Where is my land?’ ‘Going back, are you?’ King said. Appleby laughed again.”

By using motifs such as education, names and maps, Lawrence Hill is able to create well developed themes of freedom, power and identity. The motifs take on a figurative meaning and are easily recognisable to the reader. These themes, consequently create depth within the