“Confessions of Nat Turner” is a story given by Gray about an American Black man who had too much hatred towards the Whites due to the awful events in his life. Fabricant (1993) indicates that Nat worked for Americans as a slave and was mistreated by being beaten, raped, traumatized, and even spending most of his time in jail. During that time, Thomas Gray, a prosecutor, urged Nat to confess his crimes and make peace with God. Being mistreated by individuals who pretended to be God-fearing men frustrated him more. Nat witnessed his mother being brutally raped by an Irish overseer while the master was on vacation (Fabricant, 1993).
It was from this period that Nat developed a secret disgust for women and the sexual act. Black Americans criticized this book by indicating whatever events happened to Nat were outrageous. Racial discrimination and slavery were events and order of the day, but Nat disagreed with the outcome.
“Confessions of Nat Turner” got criticism from strong Black Americans who felt not all was right. Racial discrimination has been happening for ages. Black people were considered slaves as long as they dared in White peoples’ land (Fabricant, 1993). Every individual got their rights; infringing someone’s rights should make a severe case. Nat could not have gone to extent of forming a rebellion against slavery, but he was pushing to the wall. The pain was too much, and he could not bear it anymore. Slavery and racial discrimination created enmity between the Blacks and the Whites. This kind of hatred is experienced when Nat confronts Margret and kills her on the spot. Slavery and racial discrimination are events of the past.
Reference
Fabricant, D. S. (1993). Thomas R. Gray and William Styron: Finally, a critical look at the 1831 Confessions of Nat Turner. The American Journal of Legal History, 37(3), 332-361.