Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl · Chapter
Introduction by the Editor explained
L.
What happens
L. Maria Child introduces the autobiography of Linda Brent, attesting to her character and veracity. Child explains her editorial role, notes that Linda was taught to read by a kind mistress, and justifies publishing the narrative to expose the sexual exploitation inherent in slavery and to rouse Northern women to moral action against the institution.
Themes in this chapter
Sexual Exploitation and Agency
Child states that the narrative reveals a 'peculiar phase of Slavery' usually kept veiled, referring to the sexual abuse of enslaved women, and she takes responsibility for exposing it.
Northern Complicity and Abolitionism
Child appeals to Northern women to exert moral influence against slavery and urges every man to prevent the return of fugitives, highlighting Northern responsibility.
Characters to notice
- Linda Brent
The author of the autobiography, personally known to the editor, described as intelligent and much-injured.
Key passages
“I have not added anything to the incidents, or changed the import of her very pertinent remarks. With trifling exceptions, both the ideas and the language are her own.”
Child states she made only minor edits for clarity and organization, preserving Linda's own words and meaning.
Establishes the authenticity of the narrative as Linda's own account.
“I do this for the sake of my sisters in bondage, who are suffering wrongs so foul, that our ears are too delicate to listen to them.”
Child publishes the book to speak for enslaved women enduring abuses that polite society refuses to acknowledge.
Reveals Child's motivation to break the silence around sexual violence in slavery.