Clotel · Question
How does Clotel develop the theme of Heroism and Resistance?
Answer
Clotel by William Wells Brown develops Heroism and Resistance across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Enslaved characters display courage, intelligence, and agency through acts of escape, rebellion, and self-sacrifice, challenging the dehumanizing system of slavery.
William's escape, his work as an abolitionist lecturer, and the woman who drowned herself rather than live without her family exemplify resistance.
The fugitives' desperate attempts to escape, including wading through swamps and climbing trees, demonstrate resistance against an oppressive system.
The enslaved characters subtly resist the pro-slavery sermon by criticizing it and expressing disbelief in its teachings.
Evidence in the book
- Narrative of the Life and Escape of William Wells Brown
William's escape, his work as an abolitionist lecturer, and the woman who drowned herself rather than live without her family exemplify resistance.
- III: The Negro Chase
The fugitives' desperate attempts to escape, including wading through swamps and climbing trees, demonstrate resistance against an oppressive system.
- The Religious Teacher
The enslaved characters subtly resist the pro-slavery sermon by criticizing it and expressing disbelief in its teachings.
- Death of the Parson
The enslaved people's song openly celebrates the death of their oppressor, a form of covert resistance and expression of defiance.
- XVIII: The Liberator
Georgiana and Carlton resist social and legal norms by advocating for emancipation and better treatment of slaves, while the slaves themselves work diligently in hope of freedom.
- XIX: Escape of Clotel
The chapter highlights the ingenuity and bravery of fugitive slaves, including Clotel's disguise as a gentleman and William's selfless gift of his savings, as well as the clever escapes of other slaves.
- XXI: The Christian’s Death
Georgiana's emancipation of her slaves and her principled stand against colonization exemplify heroic resistance to slavery.
- The Arrest
Clotel risks her freedom to rescue her daughter, and the chapter details the armed resistance of slaves under Nat Turner and Picquilo.
