In Linda Brent's autobiography, The Incidents In The Life Of a Slave Girl, her experience with slavery is documented beginning with her childhood. Throughout her testimony, Linda explains that "slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women"ÃÂ (79). This perception is supported by numerous events that occur during her servitude. Linda's entire life becomes a struggle for freedom. Emotionally and physically abused, Linda paints a vivid picture of the black woman's battle in resisting slavery. Consequently, Linda includes descriptions of the punishment that her resistance caused, while constantly revealing the turmoil and emotional agony that black women slaves endured. Linda exposes the true identity of black women slaves during the eighteen hundreds through her personal battles with sexual abuse and emotional injustice.
As a young teenager, Linda experiences sexual and verbal abuse from her master, Dr. Flint. In her sixteenth year, Linda discloses that Dr.
Scars of a whipped slave (April 2, 1863, Baton Rou...
A 13th century book illustration produced in Baghd...
English: A slave auction was held near this locati...Flint begins to speak to her in a foul and disrespectful manner. Dr. Flint also demands Linda to listen to these degrading words and orders her to participate in these inappropriate actions.
" My master began to whisper foul words in my ear. Young as I was, I could not remain ignorant or their import. I tried to treat them with indifference or contempt. The master's age, my extreme youth, and the fear that his conduct would be reported to my grandmother, made him bear this treatment for many months"æHe tried hid utmost to corrupt the pure principles my grandmother had instilled"à(26).
Dr. Flint's sexual mistreatment continues for a long time. His constant degradation steals Linda's innocence as a young woman, and causes her much pain. Linda realizes that she has "become prematurely knowing in evil things,"ÃÂ and she is "compelled to realize that she is no longer...