Kris Maulden's questions - Nov. 30/Dec. 1
This week, we'll be discussing Celia, A Slave as well as the institution of slavery in a larger context. Please read the interview with Hanna Jones from unit 11 of the online reader as well (it's only 4 pages), and we'll discuss both of them. Next week, we'll consider the "Southern way of life" and the Civil War, so read the Elliot Gorn article and chapter 14 from the textbook for that week. Papers over the Revolution readings and over Charlotte Temple will be due this week in sections, too. As for your questions:
1. How does the book help inform your own views of slavery? What did you know before reading this book or taking this course, and how does Celia's case confirm or change your previous knowledge and understanding?
2. What do you think of George? What was his dilemma, and what do you make of his reaction to it? Was he justified in trying to save his own life, or was he abandoning Celia? Please use examples in your answer.
posted by Anonymous at 10:33 PM
4 Comments:
This book has allowed me to see the depth of the bondage of African Americans during this time. In Celia's case, she was forced to become Newsom's concubine but when she killed him in an act of self-defense, she was denied a fair trial. African Americans were in both physical and legal bondage. This book showed the depth of their oppresion.
In the situation involving George, I think it was wrong of him to leave Celia to her fate. It was him who gave Celia the ultimatum which inevitably forced her to commit murder. I can however understand his flight response. It is a natural human instinct to protect one's ownself, but was it the right thing to do, i say no.
i believe goerge reacted in a horrible way. if celia had not been given the ultimadumd by goerge to stop her sexual realtionship with newsom she would never have decided to act against him. i believe that he adandonded celia in a critical timea dn situation that she was forced into. i do on the other had see how his action could be justified. if he did not participate in a manner that powell would have accapted, he himself could have killed, but i still not agree that he made an accptable choice.
I think that George was doing nothing but thinking of himself thoughout the whole situation. Before Celia took action, it was kind of understandable on how George could have felt about their master having sex with his lover, but at the same time their was really nothing Celia could do about what was happneing. When approached by Newsome's family and Mr. Powell, George basically thought of his own life and not his so-called "lover" and gave them Celia's name. If he loved her and really cared about her than he would of said nothing about her seeing what she already was going through with their master
George to me is stuck in a hard place. Although his reaction was maybe not the best, you can understand as to why he gets upset. I dont think he should have risked their relationship in regards to something that Celia had no control over.
Post a Comment
<< Home