Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl

In “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,” Harriet Jacobs gives a detailed account of the life story of “Linda Brent” which is the pseudo name for herself, outlining the events which primarily focuses on her escape from her slave master, “Dr. Flint.” After learning that Dr. Flint has already fathered 11 children from his slaves, it is hard to imagine why he is never able to successful pursue Linda. After all, just based on the sheer number of his incidents of sexual relations with his slaves, it would seem highly unlikely that he will be they type that would be polite enough to wait for a mutual consent. The fact that Linda is able to be able to avoid having any sexual relations, despite countless pursuits by her master shows she possesses many strong qualities which helps her in her struggle. Her upbringing and strong sense of self is perhaps the number one weapon in her fight against Dr. Flint. The values in which her parents instill in her are so firmly in place, that she is perhaps one of the most self-confident female slaves that ever lived. The fact that she knows how to read, and writes the first slave narrative book speaks for itself. After her parents passes away, she becomes under the care of her grandmother, who plays an important role in shielding her from her lustful master. Her grandmother’s reputation and influence in society helps her in more ways than one. Those two factors combined with Dr. Flint’s need for power, and social acceptance helps to work in Linda’s favor, and keeps her safe from the sexual advances of her master.

Before the mistress of Linda’s grandmother dies, she puts it in her will that Linda’s grandmother would be freed. However, Dr. Flint who becomes one of the benefactors, refuses to carry out that portion of the will, and instead tries to fool her grandmother in thinking that he will try to spare her feelings by putting her up for private sale, instead of selling her at a public auction. Her grandmother who sees