The Stereotypes Of Slavery In Charles Chestnutt And Mark Twain

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Charles Chestnutt and Mark Twain challenged romanticized visions of slavery in their short stories. Grandison and Aunt Rachel are both introduced in the stories as characters that fit the description of contented slave, who have no problem with being enslaved. Grandison even goes to the farthest extent to prove his loyalty to his family and his owners. Aunt Rachel’s employers describe her as a “cheerful, hearty person.” but from her point of view that was not the case. Twain and Chestnutt, both introduce the idea of the contented slave stereotype in the beginning of the stories, but by the end the characters lack the necessary qualities to fit the stereotype.
Grandison’s story begins when he is invited to travel to the North with Dick Owens. …show more content…

In “A True Story Word for Word as I Heard It.” the main character. Rachel, is described by her boss as happy and content as a slave, with no problems or sorrows affecting her well-being. Her story begins with her employer, why she never has any problems and is always happy. She responds, saying she has experienced so much in her life. “I’s gwyne to tell you, den I leave it you. I was bawn down ‘mongst de slaves; I knows all ‘bout slavery, ‘case I been one of ‘em my one se’f. (Twain. 68)” Here. Rachel is starting her story of her past. Her story is one of true faith and endurance, but she has learned to maintain a strong and happy life. She has remained so happy, that Misto-C does not take into account what all Rachel has endured. This story is also a tale of dominancy and superiority. The narrator begins the story saying. “”Aunt Rachel”, was sitting respectfully below our level, on the steps. - for she was our servant, and colored. (Twain. 68)” His association with being colored as a beneath him, associates with the contented slave stereotype. His thoughts are that because she is colored and our servant, she needs this, so being treated like nothing is fine. Once she begins to recall the slave auction, he says. “Aunt Rachel had gradually risen…. and now she towered above us, black against the stars.” Now. Rachel is in the superior position in their relationship. He finally

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