The myth of the contented slave

Type :

Presentation

Pages :

4 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

02/05/2009

Category :

Philosophy & literature

Sub category :

Literature

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Summary :

Introduction.
A slave.
1. Satisfaction with having nothing.
2. Abused beyond the realms of human comprehension.
Slave's reaction to the horrific conditions.
1. Resistance to bondage.
2. Ways to force their will even within their restrictive domain.
3. Their religion and their music.
The Master's belief: Violence as a means to gain submission.
Education and slavery.
Suicide and slaves.
Conclusion.
Resources.

Abstract

The definition of contentment is to feel or manifest satisfaction with one's possessions, status or situation. Leslie Howard Owens holds to the opinion that the "contented slave" is a "myth". In his book, "This Species of Property" the personality and attitudes of southern slaves is shown to be a complex manifestation based on experiences and consequences of a system that shaped, and was itself shaped, by the slave. Owens' researches and reveals the system of slavery in an overview. Frederick Douglas, in "An American slave", written by him, provides individual insight that clearly upholds Owens' conjecture that docility, submissiveness and contentment are indeed a "myth" in the slave society. Though both publications differ in style the foundation of context parallels and confirm the other.