# Appendix explained — Our Nig

> Chapter companion for Our Nig by Harriet E. Wilson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_nig_se/chapters/appendix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_nig_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_nig_se/chapters