Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl · Chapter
The Church and Slavery explained
Linda describes how slaveholders used religious instruction to control slaves after Nat Turner's insurrection, contrasting the hypocritical sermons of Reverend Mr.
What happens
Linda describes how slaveholders used religious instruction to control slaves after Nat Turner's insurrection, contrasting the hypocritical sermons of Reverend Mr. Pike with the genuine piety of an old man named Uncle Fred, whom she secretly teaches to read the Bible. She criticizes the southern church for condoning slavery and the hypocrisy of masters like Dr. Flint who join the church while continuing their abuses.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy of Religion and Morality
Contrasts the self-serving sermons of Mr. Pike and the church's complicity in slavery with the genuine faith of Uncle Fred and the truly Christian woman who freed her slaves.
Resistance and Escape
Linda's secret teaching of Uncle Fred defies the law and represents a form of intellectual and spiritual resistance.
Characters to notice
- Linda Brent
Narrates her experiences attending church services and secretly teaching Uncle Fred to read.
- Dr. Flint
Mentioned as having joined the Episcopal church, yet continuing his persecutions of Linda.
- Uncle Fred
An elderly slave who learns to read the Bible with Linda's help, displaying deep faith and gratitude.
- Mr. Pike
The hypocritical Episcopal clergyman who preaches obedience to slaves while living comfortably.
Key passages
“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ.”
Slaves must obey their earthly masters completely and fearfully, as if serving Christ himself.
Mr. Pike's sermon text, used to justify slavery and demand submission.
“I have tried to do you good and promote your happiness; and if I have failed, it has not been for want of interest in your welfare. Do not weep for me; but prepare for the new duties that lie before you. I leave you all free.”
I have always tried to help you and make you happy; if I didn't succeed, it wasn't because I didn't care. Don't cry for me, but get ready for your new lives. I set you all free.
The dying words of a truly Christian woman who freed her slaves, contrasting with the hypocrisy of other slaveholders.
“Your skin is darker than mine; but God judges men by their hearts, not by the color of their skins.”
Though your skin is darker than mine, God looks at your heart, not your skin color.
A rare progressive statement from a southern pulpit, offensive to slaveholders.
“Honey, it 'pears when I can read dis good book I shall be nearer to God. White man is got all de sense. He can larn easy. It ain't easy for ole black man like me. I only wants to read dis book, dat I may know how to live; den I hab no fear 'bout dying.”
Dear, it seems that if I can read this Bible I will be closer to God. White people have all the advantages and learn easily. It's not easy for an old black man like me. I just want to read this book so I can know how to live; then I won't be afraid to die.
Uncle Fred expresses his deep desire to read the Bible, highlighting the spiritual hunger denied by slavery.