The Autobiography Of Miss Jane Pittman Analysis
Wyatt Patton
Ms. Shanks
English II
March 22, 2013 Ernest J. Gaines and His Inspirations Slavery was a big part of American life in the southern United States until the mid-1800’s. Ernest J. Gaines spent his life writing about African Americans from their time in bondage to the time of his childhood growing up in south Louisiana. He provided a unique view of plantation life during the civil war and reconstruction and the impact both had on all Americans, especially those living in the south. Gaines’ many works illustrate how our country as grown and evolved to become the society we live in today. In his novel “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman”, Gaines proves he is a great American author by giving readers a glimpse of the time of slavery in south Louisiana and relating the setting …show more content…
Ticey, as Jane Pittman was called, befriended a Union soldier, named Corporal Brown, and as a result of her kindness, he tells Ticey she can use his daughter’s name, Jane Brown, and come to see him at his home in Ohio, when she is free. Ticey, who now sees herself as Jane Pittman, falls victim to the wrath of her mistress when she fails to respond to her slave name, Ticey. The backdrop of the Civil War is causing problems for Ticey and millions of other slaves who look forward to soon being free, but who currently remain in bondage and still under the yoke of slavery. The institution of slavery was still intact and necessary for southern plantation owners to work the land, tend the livestock and manage their homes and keep what was left of the southern agricultural economy operating. When slavery and the war ended, a new period began with plantation owners and newly freed slaves, had to find a way to coexist and reestablish the economy of the south.
Ms. Shanks
English II
March 22, 2013 Ernest J. Gaines and His Inspirations Slavery was a big part of American life in the southern United States until the mid-1800’s. Ernest J. Gaines spent his life writing about African Americans from their time in bondage to the time of his childhood growing up in south Louisiana. He provided a unique view of plantation life during the civil war and reconstruction and the impact both had on all Americans, especially those living in the south. Gaines’ many works illustrate how our country as grown and evolved to become the society we live in today. In his novel “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman”, Gaines proves he is a great American author by giving readers a glimpse of the time of slavery in south Louisiana and relating the setting …show more content…
Ticey, as Jane Pittman was called, befriended a Union soldier, named Corporal Brown, and as a result of her kindness, he tells Ticey she can use his daughter’s name, Jane Brown, and come to see him at his home in Ohio, when she is free. Ticey, who now sees herself as Jane Pittman, falls victim to the wrath of her mistress when she fails to respond to her slave name, Ticey. The backdrop of the Civil War is causing problems for Ticey and millions of other slaves who look forward to soon being free, but who currently remain in bondage and still under the yoke of slavery. The institution of slavery was still intact and necessary for southern plantation owners to work the land, tend the livestock and manage their homes and keep what was left of the southern agricultural economy operating. When slavery and the war ended, a new period began with plantation owners and newly freed slaves, had to find a way to coexist and reestablish the economy of the south.