Slavery In The United States By Harriet Jacobs Narrative Analysis

Slavery in the United States was not merely a product of racism or a desire for cheap labor; it was a deeply entrenched economic system that thrived on the exploitation of human beings for profit. Dehumanization was a fundamental aspect of slavery, as it served to justify the mistreatment and enslavement of individuals, denying them their basic human rights and dignity. However, another important, and perhaps greater, foundation of slavery was exploitation, especially for economic gain. The exploitation of slaves was used to generate immense wealth for their owners and to fuel the economies of their societies. Enslaved women, in particular, were vulnerable to exploitation due to their multifaceted roles as caregivers, laborers, and sexual objects, all of which could be utilized for profit.

However, she was often used for sexual and domestic labor by her owner, Dr. Flint. Jacobs was not alone in this position; she asserts that Flint was the father of at least eleven slaves. Jacobs’ owner could not allow her to marry a free man as Flint feared that Jacobs and others could no longer provide him with any financial or personal gain, thus limiting their ability to love or marry freely. Slave owners, driven by profit, often exploit enslaved women as caregivers and sexual laborers, leading these women to feel disconnected from their communities. While slavery did foster a sense of community by building and nurturing bonds formed in labor, enslaved women subjected to domestic and sexual exploitation may have felt alienated from this community. Those forced into sexual labor often felt trapped and alone in this system. Jacobs recalls that the women around her “pitied me; but none dared to ask the cause.” She “longed for someone to confide in.” Jacobs was unable to even confide in her grandmother about her troubles, which forced her into