This paper briefly analyzes the characters Dave Saunders from The Man Who Was Almost a Man and Harriet Jacobs from Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Dave is a young African-American adolescent desperately trying to show masculinity and independence by working during the summer holidays at school. In this regard, he is similar to Harriet Jacobs, the book’s author and protagonist, an enslaved person who worked tirelessly and lived in conditions devoid of any human joys. Dave Saunders and Harriet Jacobs are the books’ protagonists, closely connected with overcoming the boundaries established by society due to their limited role in the communities.
Dave Saunders and Harriet Jacobs are forced to face racism, ageism, bias, and discrimination, which impose significant restrictions on them to realize a better life. In the book, Harriet is deprived of critical human rights to freedom and personal integrity. As an enslaved person, she does not have the opportunity to become a highly qualified specialist, wife, or mother. Consequently, Dave is faced with an identical situation, working in unfavorable, uncomfortable conditions to gain at least a little respect for himself and his work.
In addition, Dave and Harriet are similar in perseverance and patience. Dave decides to get a gun and prove his “adulthood” by this act. He steals it from his boss, hoping to avoid punishment, showing that he is no longer a child but a real man (Wright, 2000). Harriet is unsatisfied with current affairs and wants to end slavery; she uses intelligence and trickery to become free and end injustice (Jacobs, 1861). She is risking everything to see the children and escape the vicious circle finally.
In conclusion, Dave Saunders and Harriet Jacobs are characters struggling with prohibitions and restrictions imposed on them by society. They face inappropriate, disrespectful attitudes toward themselves. However, they do not want to tolerate it, and have gained strength, time, and patience; they are undertaking clear strategies to eliminate the existing injustice. These stories emphasize the importance and significance of the struggle for human rights, opportunities, and prospects.
References
Jacobs, H.A. (1861). Incidents in the life of a slave girl. Pub. for the Author.
Wright, R.N. (2000). Almos’ a Man. PERFECTION LEARNING Corporation.