Some Study Questions?

1.    In Chapter 1, “Childhood,” Brent describes the “unusually fortunate circumstances” of her early childhood from ages 6-12, before she became fully aware of her slave status. Please cite an example.

2.    When Aunt Martha tells Linda that her father is dead (Chapter 2), Linda recalls her initial response: “He had died so suddenly I had not even heard that he was sick.” What does this incident reveal about Aunt Martha? About Linda? What are the circumstances surrounding her father’s death? Why do you think Linda was not permitted to attend her father’s funeral?

3.    In Chapter 3, Please summarize Brent’s feelings of celebrating New Year’s as a slave.

4.    In Chapter 4, “The Slave Who Dared to Feel Like a Man,” Brent tells the story of her Uncle Benjamin. What impact does this story seem to have on her?

5.    In Chapter 5, “The Trials of Girlhood,” Brent relates the story of two sisters—one black, one white—and their very different fates. How does this story affect her personally?

6.    In Chapter 6, “The Jealous Mistress,” Brent describes the relationship between Dr. and Mrs. Flint. Based on her description, how would you characterize their marriage?

7 .    In Chapter 7, Linda describes her relationship with a free black man who offers to buy her freedom. How does this relationship affect her decision to enter into a sexual liaison with Mr. Sands?

8.    In Chapter 8, Brent describes “What Slaves are Taught to Think of the North.” What is the underlying message of this chapter?

9.    In Chapter 9, Brent provides sketches of three slaveholders: Mr. Litch, Mr. Conant, and Mr. Wade. How would you characterize these three individuals?

10.    In Chapter 10, “A Perilous Passage in the Slave Girl’s Life,” Brent describes her relationship with Mr. Sands. How is her decision to enter into this relationship a “perilous passage” in her life?

11.    By choosing to have two children by Mr. Sands, it can be argued that Brent is largely responsible for creating her own dilemma. Explain why you agree or disagree.

12.    In Chapter 11, Brent describes the birth of her son, Ben. How does this incident impact her life?

13.    In Chapter 12, “Fear of Insurrection,” Brent describes the aftermath of the Nat Turner Rebellion. Discuss.

14.    In Chapter 13, “The Church and Slavery,” Brent explores the moral conflict between slavery and Christianity. Does she build a successful case for the incompatibility of these two institutions?

15.    In Chapters 14–16, Brent describes the birth of her daughter, Ellen, and her experiences on Mr. Flint’s plantation. How do these incidents affect her?

16.    What is the significance of Brent’s statement that “the colored race are the most cheerful and forgiving people on the face of the earth”?

17.    In Chapters 17–20, Brent describes her first attempt to escape and the aftermath of her actions. Discuss.

18.    Chapter 21, “The Loophole of Retreat,” presents a pivotal point in Brent’s story.

19.  What are some of the Christmas rituals and festivities Brent describes in Chapter 22?

20.    In Chapter 35, “Prejudice Against Color,” Brent explores the complex issue of color prejudice among some blacks, a prejudice that can be traced directly to the institution of slavery. Explain.

21.    In Chapter 37, “A Visit to England,” Brent compares her treatment in England with her treatment in the United States. How does she characterize her experiences?

22.    In Chapter 40, “The Fugitive Slave Act,” Brent discusses the impact of this law on runaway slaves. What were some of the issues that led to the passage of this law? See the following website for background information: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2951.html

23.    In Chapter 41, “Free at Last,” Brent describes her experiences upon finally obtaining her freedom. But how “free” is she really? Cite 2 examples from the text to support your argument.