Imperium in Imperio

"De greatest t'ing in de wul is edification. Ef our race ken git dat we ken git ebery t'ing else. Dat is de key. Get de key an' yer ken go in de house to go whare you please." (Griggs 18)



I chose this quote one because the significance of Education is going to be a reoccurring theme in the passages we continue to read and also asa visual for the lack of education that is present within this time. Within reading this quote itself one can recognize that the preacher did not obtain a proper education by the looks of the way he talks as well as how he would write those words. Education stands for one of the strongest benefits needed in order to be successful or move towards success. Coinciding with Education is the significance of race because throughout this novel in how the color of your skin plays part into how you are treated by your professors, community members, etc, and where you can get a job. "It is true that there were positions around by the thousands which he could fill, but his color debarred him" (Griggs 64). Belton's ascribed characteristics hold him back countless times for obtaining a job. His intellect also has no importance in representing him as a person. The focus lays specifically on the color of his skin and because he is black he is put at a disadvantage regardless of his intellectual abilities.



This notion of rebellion also plays a large role between Belton and Bernard as they compete for excellence almost seeming like a battle between races since Belton is black and Bernard has lighter skin (which back in this day he could in some cases pass for white). However, the greater rebellion is against the whites, fighting for equality and power to be seen at the same level as the whites.




"If miscegenation is in reality destroying us, dedicate your soul to the works of separating the whites and colored races" (Griggs 85) The problem with miscegenation is rooted within the whites having fear of equality between races coming and with the blacks it's a fear of black extinction occurring with the amount of interracial babies being born. The fear of losing one's cultural identity is an upbringing problem for both races. Viola pisses me off because of her ignorance and inability to love Bernard for him and not the color of his skin!!! And then she signs the letter, "Your loving wife" when in the previous chapter claims that she could never be his wife. She is so torn between races that it ultimately drives her to suicide not being able to face reality.




1) Griggs portrays an overpowering feeling of Belton being prevented from obtaining a job on page 64, due to his skin color. Where else in this book do we see Belton being at a disadvantage because of his race? Do you feel as if race has an impact in jobs today or have we become more diverse?



2) What significance did the mulatto play in this time? What can analyze about the letter Viola leaves Bernard? What does this say about miscegenation?

Narrative of Fredrick Douglass

One passage that stuck out to me in reading this Narrative was on page 52 when Covey goes to fetch multiple switches to beat Douglass with, "He then went to large gum-tree, and with his axe cut three large switches, and, after trimming them up nearly with his pocket-knife, he ordered me to take my clothes off". This section took me back to a time when I would go down south to Georgia to visit my family on my dad's side. When my siblings, cousins or I acted out we were sent to the backyard to get a switch that would soon get taken to our behinds for 2 lashes. I never really thought about it at the time (being that I was younger than 10 years old) but coming across this passage made me question why my family still uses switches for punishment. The relation of a switch goes back to slavery as it was a common form of punishment. Being that I am half black and my relatives on my dad's side are full black, I am puzzled as to why they would continue to use a switch as it symbolizes a brutal historical punishment that our ancestors had first-hand experience of being slaves.


The definition of humanity is significantly eliminated throughout the course of this Narrative. African American’s are excluded from being considered human with their contribution remaining only for slave work. Douglass calls to attention various instances that more so question White American’s being human. With vivid illustration he shows the ability for slave master Gore to contain no shame in killing and severely injuring slaves, “A thrill of horror flashed through every soul upon the plantation, excepting Mr. Gore. He alone stood cool and collected” (20). Since slaves had no rights, this massive murder of Demby went unannounced to the judicial court marking not only the insanity of getting away with murder but the poor human like characteristics of Gore. The slave masters rightfully give a bad name to what humanity stands for.



1) Throughout Douglass’ encounters with various slave masters why were slaves punished so severely? Do you think the threat of slaves becoming powerful/educated play a role in this punishment?



2) Why might people in the south still use switches to discipline their children?



3) What are some examples of the immoralities of slavery that did not involve physical cruelty? What is the significance in Douglass vividly illustrating these slave abuse themes?