Jane Pittman Character Analysis

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Being American means standing up for what you believe in. Jane Pittman was the epitome of what it means to be an American. In The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J. Gaines, a black woman named Jane Pittman describes her life, focusing on what it was like being a freed slave in post civil war America. To me, being American means being persevering, hard working, and hopeful. Miss Pittman personifies these three traits and her story demonstrates how they played critical roles in her life. Being a freed slave surely was not easy. Even though they were technically freed, there were still people who thought of white people superior to black. Jane, along with many other black folk, had to push past racial barriers and fight for what they believed in and what was right. Jane stated “We ain’t giving up, we done gone this far” (Book 1). This shows the struggle and level of perseverance that has controlled Miss Pittman’s life from the beginning to the end. It shows how committed she is to clearing the name for black people across the nation. Hard-working would be a good word when describing (former) slaves. Most are born into slavery and their whole life purpose is to serve their
She would watch each child on the plantation grow up from birth. She says “Anytime a child is born, the old people look in his face and ask him if he’s the One” (Book 4). When the elders say “The One”, they are referring to a savior for the black race; one that will lead them forward to their salvation. They remain hopeful no matter what. I think America knows first hand when in comes to hoping our country will change for the better. Where there is hope, there is change. For example, on June 26, 2015, Gay marriage was legalized nation wide. That has been an ongoing battle and finally through perseverance, hard work, and hope, we now see

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