Clotel · Chapter
Conclusion explained
Brown concludes his narrative by affirming the truth of the incidents and scenes related, noting his personal participation in many and his reliance on other sources including fugitive slaves, Mrs.
What happens
Brown concludes his narrative by affirming the truth of the incidents and scenes related, noting his personal participation in many and his reliance on other sources including fugitive slaves, Mrs. Child, and abolitionist journals. He then presents a statistical statement on slaveholding by American Christian denominations and appeals to British Christians to sever fellowship with slaveholders and advocate for emancipation.
Themes in this chapter
Corruption of Christianity
Brown highlights the extensive slaveholding by American Christian churches, condemning the hypocrisy of a 'pious democratic republic' that traffics in human beings.
Hypocrisy of American Democracy
The chapter contrasts America's democratic ideals with the reality of widespread slavery, calling on British Christians to pressure the nation to proclaim emancipation.
Characters to notice
- William Wells Brown
Narrator and author, affirms the truth of the narrative and his personal involvement in many scenes.
Key passages
“My narrative has now come to a close. I may be asked, and no doubt shall: Are the various incidents and scenes related founded in truth? I answer: Yes.”
Brown concludes his story and anticipates questions about its veracity, asserting that all incidents are true.
Brown directly addresses the reader's potential skepticism about the narrative's authenticity.
“It is estimated that in the United States, members of the Methodist church own 219,363 slaves; members of the Baptist church own 226,000 slaves; members of the Episcopalian church own 88,000 slaves; members of the Presbyterian church own 77,000 slaves; members of all other churches own 50,000 slaves; in all, 660,563 slaves owned by members of the Christian church in this pious democratic republic!”
Brown presents statistics showing that over 660,000 slaves are owned by members of various Christian denominations in America, highlighting the hypocrisy of a nation that claims to be both pious and democratic.
This statistical indictment underscores the theme of religious corruption and national hypocrisy.
“Let it be understood, unequivocally understood, that no fellowship can be held with slaveholders professing the same common Christianity as yourselves.”
Brown urges British Christians to make it clear that they will not associate with slaveholders who claim to share the same Christian faith.
Brown calls for a clear moral and religious separation from slaveholding Christians.