Slave Narratives

The text of interviews from former slaves are authentic firsthand accounts of daily life for those forced into slavery. The first interview is with a slave named Henry. In total, he has lived through 6 different owners. His interview revealed the effects of being born into slavery has on the human mind. When Henry spoke of his future with his last owner he states “I’m wonderin’ if she is goin’ to le’ me stay”. By making this statement one can see that Henry would prefer the life on the plantation rather than his newly earned freedom, this is due to the fact that he was born into slavery and is completely oblivious to what life can be like out of slavery. Henry then speaks about his family and about the emotions he was going through during their separations. however he holds no ill feelings toward his owners and makes sure to inform the interviewer that his latest one never whipped or abused any slave. Despite being a slave, Henry spoke very contently about his life. He always had access to plenty of food throughout the week besides the weekend where food became scarce. One can assume assume that since this lifestyle is all he ever knew, then this can explain his apparent satisfaction with his conditions. His religious beliefs also could have contributed to this way of thinking for he recollects his fathers teachings of heaven and hell. This could mean that despite growing up in these conditions, along with not knowing what life is like without slavery, Henry could have kept his positive way of thinking so he may pursuit an afterlife in heaven.