“Structure of Feelings”in Harriet Jacobs's Incident in the Life of a Slave Girl

Abstract

Harriet Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girlis an autobiography that narrates the woes of a black slave girl. It is a journey from the extreme suppression and sexual turmoil to the level of awakening, and thereby exposing the structure of feelings. It is the story of struggle between Jacobs, a black slave girl and her cruel white master Dr.Flint; the former attempting to earn freedom for self and her family and the latter to impose his despotism on her and the slaves. Dr. Flint owns a large plantation and several slaves, over whom he rules like a lord. Despite Dr. Flint's persuasion to marrya fellow slave, Jacobs denies his offer guided by consciousness, and accepts Mr. Sand, a white, as her groom in pretext of gaining a free life. In the process, she risks her life, her children and raises voice against the inhumane system, ultimately becoming a rebel in the struggle against slavery. Thus, a black slave girl becomes an activist in the abolition of slavery in the American history, aspired by triple consciousness.