Memoir of a Slave Girl
University of Virginia: American Studies
Description: This extensive collection of writings by Harriet Jacobs, a woman born into slavery allows first-hand insight into the lives
of slaves, as well as their escapes and the controversial Fugitive Slave Law.
Teaching Tips:
"Do Now" Suggestion
-
Give students the opening paragraph from the introduction written by Harriet Jacobs as Linda Brent. Have students answer
the questions, why did Harriet Jacobs write her book and why did she write it under a pen name? (Students could also read
the preface and answer the same questions.)
Suggestions for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson
-
Complete a visual discovery using the pictures from daily life. After students complete a chart describing who is in the
picture and what is going on for each picture students will create their own visual story using pictures from the website
with captions they write in the form of a diary. (Refer to the Images Index)
-
Following lessons about different aspects of American Slavery have students read corresponding chapters from the book and
review the timeline to relate politics and big events to the average person such as the Fugitive Slave Law.
