English flashcard revision - TLM
Whitechapel describes himself “boy, mule, n*gger, slave”
Family call him “dog”
During Remembering, Whitechapel describes himself as a “boy, mule n*gger [and] slave”, while his family also call him a “dog”. Here, Whitechapel rejects his name and individual identity as he adopts the white view of himself, seen as only a slave. Throughout the novel, white characters such as Sanders Senior equate slavery with the status of an animal, therefore suggesting that slaves possess no sense of identity nor humanity. Revealing that Whitechapel, his family and his oppressors use animalistic terms, Whitechapel accepts his dehumanized status within society while internalizing the white view.
White chapels belief about slavery
“born owned by another man, like his father before him and like his son would be”
Chapel dreams “his children would be free” but Whitechapel rebuts with “evidence of 300 years” of history
As Whitechapel presents his beliefs about slavery, he explains how slaves are “born owned by another man, like his father before him and like his son would be”. Here, Whitechapel, the manifestation of oppressed older generations, is resigned to slavery’s existence and is pessimistic about its end. In contrast, Chapel dreams that “his children would be free”, representing the younger generations hope for change, Chapel is optimistic towards the future for slaves. Through this, D’Aguiar illuminates the intergenerational and compounding trauma of people that are exposed to violence, exploitation and exclusion.
Whitechapel schooled in “subservience, obedience, compliance” vs Chapel who is “thirsty for change”
During Remembering, while Whitechapel is schooled in “subservience, obedience and compliance” Chapel is “thirsty for change”. Through this contrast between generations, the consequences and impact of oppression is revealed to the readers. With Lydia’s help, Chapels literacy transforms him from powerless to powerful, therefore empowering Chapel which is seen as dangerous as their knowledge threatens to subvert society, risking corporal punishment. However, while Chapel questions the status quo, older generations uphold it due to their internal colonization and shared view of the “master”, leading to obedience to this way of life.
Cook explains her “masters pot is full of the best things” but her pot is “sweet” to her
Cook hearing Chapel read “all I feel inside is pride, not fear, not yet; just pride, swelling my chest and filling my heart”
Throughout the novel, Cook acts as a positive light to the dark and somber life as slaves. Explaining that her “masters pot is full of the best things” but her pot is “sweet” to her, Cook reveals that although cooking for her master is her job, she cooks for her family with love, contrasting the relentless oppression of the novel. As Cook hears Chapel read she explains that all she feels inside is “pride, not fear, not yet; just pride”. Presenting a strong identity, enriched by the love of family, Cook keeps Chapels literacy a secret as she is a proud and hopeful mother supporting Chapels effort to create change.
slaves compared to “stock on the plantation”
“they do not feel what we feel”
In the Virginian Editorial, slaves are compared to “stock on the plantation”, and are labelled as individuals that “do not feel what ..[white people] feel” by the Editorial. As the Editorial represents society’s views, there is a large emphasize on the divide between dominant and subordinate groups based on the subjective ideas of “values”. Through this dehumanizing language, there is a division created because slaves are seen as worthless apart from their economic value and are therefore manipulated to work harder for the white majorities benefit.
slaves are “not our equal, not derived from our race”
a “just” punishment for a runaway is “something in the region of 200 lashes”
In the Virginian Editorial, slaves are discussed as “not our equal, not derived from our race” and are therefore justly punished for running away through “something in the region of 200 lashes” and “maybe leg irons”. Through this flippant debate over the treatment of slaves, it reveals how accepted the mistreatment and abuse of slave is. Through the use of an authoritative tone, the Virginian editorial opinions can appear as facts.
