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Our Nig Essay

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Originally published in 1859, Harriet E. Wilson’s novel Our Nig; or Sketches from the Life of a free Black is lauded as the first novel to be published by a black woman in the United States. Alice Walker claims this novel has an “enormous significance”; this significance is reflected in the autobiographical nature of the novel that allows the audience to experience the life of a free black in the North through Frado’s eyes during a time when slavery was still in effect in the United States. It reminds readers that injustices were not concentrated within the South and forces into the light the struggle that many blacks had to face when trying to find their place. As soon as Frado begins living with the Bellmont’s, her life appears to not be …show more content…

Frado’s main inner conflict deals with her spirituality and her wondering if there is a place in Heaven just for her. Her inner conflict starts with her claiming to not like God because he made Mrs. Bellmont white and her black; this statement contains bold words during this era, but they illustrate a religious divide and doubt caused by racism that Frado has to overcome (51). This uncertainty is something Frado struggles with her entire life— a yearning for peace found in a belief in God, but doubting if religion is even allowed for her. Frado does not want to go to a place where her abusers are, but if Heaven really is the same place those who were kind to her will end up, then it is something she wishes she had access to. Frado’s freedom is found in the fact that she can read the Bible for herself and attended church and learn the truth that Heaven is even a place for a black girl like her despite Mrs. Bellmont’s words. Frado’s literacy which helps her find peace with herself illustrates the surge of power and self-worth many blacks had when they were allowed to become literate, the peace they gained from religion, the community that grew in response to

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