preview

Oppression In The Book Of Negroes

Decent Essays

Women Surpassing Oppression in The Book of Negroes. “Women have progressed considerably in terms of education and schooling over the past few decades.” (Turcotte). When women are given the opportunity they are capable of surpassing women stereotypes. In The Book of Negroes, Lawrence Hill uses characterization to show when women are properly educated they can persevere through oppression. Women have the strength and patience to overcome and when given the proper education they are able to surpass any obstacle. Throughout the novel Aminata Diallo is given opportunities to persevere through oppression. Firstly, when Aminata is bought by Solomon Lindo, they use her to help with things around the house, but once they realize all the things that she is capable of doing they begin to respect and pay her for other work she does for Lindo. Her knowledge allows her to gain respect from higher people and actually get paid for the work she does. Second, Aminata is determined to learn multiple languages and once people begin to understand that she know more than one language they are surprised and treat her differntly; they treat her with more respect because they are surprised a women of colour is capable of doing that. Lastly, Aminata is given the large task of writing the “The Book of Negroes” and is given everything she needs for her ability to do the work. She is highly relied on by higher and richer men. As the story progresses it is shown how when Aminata gets her education

Get Access