Wench Essay

Although slavery was already outlawed when I was a child, the topic still seemed to linger throughout my youth. Growing up, I was introduced to the history of slavery by my teachers. I was taught that slavery was when African Americans were bought, and forced to live on plantations.

I heard countless stories of how slaves experienced brutal beatings, due to their numerous attempts at escaping. I read in textbooks about slaves like Harriet Tubman and Fredrick Douglas and their determination to be free. The story of slavery has been being told for years, and will continue to unfold for years to come.

When it comes to the work of a slave, each job is different. House slaves usually work inside the masters home, cleaning and doing basic chores. While field slaves usually work in the fields picking cotton or plowing for the harvest. These harsh conditions and unruly circumstances had a negative impact on African Americans. It suggested that we had little power when it came to the Caucasian race. Overall this era was a symbol of a dark period in American history.

As I got older I realized that slavery was much deeper than being someone's property. Being a slave meant that you were stripped of your freedom, and no longer had the opportunity to make your own decisions. This especially pertained to women and their masters.

In this time period it was common for a master to have a woman slave as his personal mistress. Valdez portrays this in her novel Wench when she introduces us to the four major characters Mawu, Lizzi, Sweet and Reenie. All four women are mistresses to their white owners. These broken yet strong women were all robbed of their freedom, virginity and children. Leaving them with the mindset that love exists, even in the most inhumane circumstances.

In the novel Valdez fictionally clarifies ones interpretation on slavery. She skillfully describes the conditions each woman faces, while living on the plantation. Her additional insight on how women slaves were treated during this time, modified my outlook on slavery. Throughout the novel the mistresses discuss life as free women, and the all its luxuries. Slavery was more than relentless work in a field, severe punishments and being dominated by an individual. Valdez adequately proves that the main goal when it comes to slavery is being free.

In closing after reading Wench I have learned not to take my freedom for granted, because many individuals risked their lives in order to be free. Although a fictional story, Wench informed me about the harsh conditions slaves experienced, especially when it came to women.

...