Truth

In class, we had discussed that personal stories can persuade and capture the attention of the audience. It is important that the book is based on truth, and not changed in any way because these are true events that occurred, and keeping them the way they are is more convincing. Many of the horrifying stories of Linda’s time as a slave capture and appeal to our emotion. Harriet Jacobs even personally addresses the reader a few times in order to justify the truth in her argument. In the introduction it states, “I had no reason for changing her lively and dramatic way of telling her own story.” (Child, 4) If this story had been fiction it would be harder to believe and connect to the horrible corrupt power of slavery. The language has not been changed because it gives the full essence of the character, being a southern slave. The true accounts pull the reader in, and make them feel like they are living the life of a slave as well. Because this book is based on truth and not fiction the public can become aware of its “monstrous features.” (Child, 5)