Our Nig · Chapter
Appendix explained
The appendix includes testimonies from friends of the author, detailing her life after leaving the Bellmonts, her marriage to a fugitive slave, his desertion, her subsequent poverty, and her struggle to raise her son.
What happens
The appendix includes testimonies from friends of the author, detailing her life after leaving the Bellmonts, her marriage to a fugitive slave, his desertion, her subsequent poverty, and her struggle to raise her son. It appeals to readers to support her by purchasing her book.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience and Survival
Frado's ability to endure desertion, poverty, and illness while striving to raise her son exemplifies resilience.
Class and Economic Exploitation
Frado's dependence on charity and her son's placement in the county farm illustrate the economic exploitation and class struggles faced by poor, single mothers.
Hypocrisy of Christianity
The appendix criticizes those who call themselves Christians yet treat Frado cruelly, contrasting them with true Christian charity shown by Mrs. Walker and others.
Characters to notice
- Frado
Described as having a 'black, but comely' face, she finds a home with Mrs. Walker, marries a fugitive slave, is deserted, and later struggles as a single mother.
- Samuel
Referred to as the fugitive slave who marries Frado and then deserts her by going to sea.
- Mrs. Moore
Mentioned as 'Mrs. Walker' in the appendix, she provides Frado with a home and maternal care.
- Lewis
Frado's son, described as an intelligent, smart boy who was sent to the county farm but later taken back by Frado.
Key passages
“O, aunt J⸺, I have at last found a home — and not only a home, but a mother . My cup runneth over.”
Frado expresses overwhelming gratitude to Mrs. Walker for providing her with a loving home and maternal care.
This quote highlights Frado's emotional relief and joy after years of hardship.
“She was indeed a slave, in every sense of the word; and a lonely one, too.”
The testimonial asserts that Frado was treated as a complete slave, isolated and oppressed.
This underscores the theme of racial oppression and the harsh reality of her servitude.