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From the beginnings of American Literature to the Civil War arose a time period in which slave narratives and stories increased in number, as well as popularity. There were many pieces of literature written in which two particular viewpoints were most often portrayed; those that took on the opinions of slaveholders and those that took on the opinions of slaves. In order to better understand this particular time period, one must analyze, as well as compare and contrast, the two positions with opinions and facts represented in historical and recent literature. Discussed below are a few selected literary pieces that represent either pro or anti-slavery positions.

A majority of supporters for slavery during the 19^th century were wealthy and as a result had access to an abundance of resources. Because of this, white aristocrats were then able to more readily produce, and distribute their literary works, whereas slaves were not as fortunate. Many slaves were forced to secretly seek the help of these wealthy whites with hopes that they were sympathizers of slavery and were brave enough to stand up for their cause. If they were so lucky to even find such a person, they then had to hope that this person would truthfully record their life stories and publish the ‘truth’ behind slavery for the ignorant to see. However, this was not always the case and as a result, there were many works in circulation that portrayed a very different view from that of the slaves, slave sympathizers, or even more so, reality. For example, in a narrative written to discuss the principle incidents that occurred to a northern slave named Charles Ball, the author states in the preface that he recorded the slave’s words and if his words were not repeated exactly in the text that, “the sense and import, at least, are faithfully preserved”(Preface). He then contradictorily states that “Many of his [the slave’s] opinions have been cautiously omitted, or carefully suppressed, as of being of no value to the reader; and his sentiments upon the subject of slavery, have not been embodied in [the] work”(Preface). Here is an example of a white man writing a slave’s narrative to help support the pro-slavery movement. The author sways the slave’s story in a pro-slavery manner in attempt to make his case appear stronger to his audience and also to contradict the abolitionist slave narratives that were being published during this time period. The end result was that the truth of the actual events that occurred to Ball were swayed in the interest of the author and, rather than being swayed towards creating sympathy for slaves. The author contradicts himself by stating that the book was written, “…without fear or prejudice and [that] no opinions have been consulted in its composition”(Preface). In other words he is stating that the text that he has written consists of only pure facts. However, it is clear that if he was forced to omit the opinions of the slave that contradicted his case, then the slave’s story that he has written has become merely lies.

Slavery in the United States; a narrative of the life and adventures of Charles Ball, a black man, who lived forty years in Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia, as a slave ..

Ball, Charles

My bondage and my freedom

Douglass, Frederick

On the other side of the spectrum there were a few slaves that were fortunate enough to have learned how to write and make their up in society inch by inch. One of these men was Frederick Douglass. In 1855 Frederick Douglass published his second autobiography. It was titled “My Bondage and My Freedom” and made him the first African American to write two autobiographies. The preface of this work begins with Dr. James M’Cune Smith stating that the volume is a “work of facts” not a work of art. The brief intro prepares the reader for, as the author states, “…Facts, terrible and almost incredible, it may be- yet Facts nevertheless” (v). The preface continues in stating to the reader that everything contained in the text are facts and are described in detail (i.e. locations, names, events, etc). This introduction by a respectable man serves to prove Frederick Douglass’s credibility and authenticity to the reader. A letter is then presented that was written by Mr. Douglass to Dr. Smith. Douglass explains in the letter, that at the request of his friend, he would write his life story and his reasons for doing so. He states that his purpose was “…not to illustrate any heroic achievements of a man, but to vindicate just and beneficent principle, in its application to the whole civilized world-for judgment” (vii). He then continues to discuss that because enslaved people were on trial and the constant belief about slaves that, “…they are naturally, inferior; that they are so low in the scale of humanity, and so utterly stupid, that they are unconscious of their wrongs, and do not apprehend their rights” (vii), he agreed that his life story and publication of the first-hand cruelty he experienced under the system of slavery was necessary to help the public see the true evil of slavery. Smith ends his note to the reader stating that Douglass, “…a man who was born and brought up in slavery, a living witness of its horrors; who often himself experienced its cruelties; and who, despite the depressing influences surrounding his birth, youth, and manhood, has risen, from a dark and almost absolute obscurity, to the distinguished position which he now occupies, might very well assume the existence of a commendable curiosity, on the part of the public, to know the facts of his remarkable history”(viii). In the first few pages of Douglass’s several hundred page book, the reader can easily sense the anti-slavery purpose through the arguments and explanations that are presented. Further into his book are very detailed and graphic events that Douglass explains in attempt to evoke emotion and sentiment from the public, as well as anger in hope of persuading people to take action against the system of slavery.

One of the arguments maintained by the advocates for slavery was that slavery is deeply founded in human nature and society. They also turn the arguments based on Christianity around and use them as proof that even in the Bible there is evidence of slavery and that it is a necessary evil. William Harper states in an essay of his that was collected along with several other pro-slavery activists’ writings, that “Savage and civilized man cannot live together, and the savage can only be tamed by being enslaved or by having slaves” (15). He later describes the traits of African Americans that he and, slavery supporters, believes supports their reasoning as to why blacks should be slaves. Harper states, “That the African negro is an inferior variety of the human race, is, I think, now generally admitted, and his distinguishing characteristics are such as peculiarly mark him out for the situation which he occupies among us” (56). Some of the traits that Harper lists include, “…their indifference to personal liberty… [and] the want of domestic affections, and insensibility to the ties of kindred…” (57). An example of the use of scripture to support the pro-slavery argument is given by James Hammond in “Hammond’s Letters on Slavery.” Hammond states, “In the twentieth chapter of Exodus, seventeenth verse, I find the following words: ‘Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor harm his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s’-which is the tenth of those commandments that declare the essential principles of the great moral law delivered to Moses by God himself” (105). He continues to make his point by stating the following argument: “Prominent in the catalogue stands his ‘man-servant and his maid-servant,’ who are thus distinctly consecrated as his property, and guaranteed to him for his executive benefit, in the most solemn manner” (105-106).

The pro-slavery argument; as maintained by the most distinguished writers of the southern states

This piece of work is a portrayal of American slavery in 1841 and the conditions of black slaves under the system. It can easily be seen in the picture that this particular print was most likely published by a Northern supporter of slavery. The work makes even more visible the consistent lack of sympathy for blacks during this time period. Within the picture one can notice an attractive/wealthy, slave-owning white family. The young daughter is playing with what appears to be purebred greyhound which stands before the family, even furthering the idea that the family is wealthy. The son is pointing toward an elderly black couple, who appear to be smiling, with a small child sitting at their feet, which suggests that family interaction with slaves was a common occurrence. There is a group of slaves that are dancing around in the background of picture and appear to be very joyful. At the top of the work is writing that appears to be from the old slave that says, "God Bless you massa! you feed and clothe us. When we are sick you nurse us, and when too old to work, you provide for us!" The master then swears religiously that, "These poor creatures are a sacred legacy from my ancestors and while a dollar is left me, nothing shall be spared to increase their comfort and happiness."

Pro-Slavery Viewpoint

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