You have read the book, Celia, A Slave, by Melton Mclaurin during the second half of our course. For your final exam, write an essay that relates the book to the document interpretations that you have completed over the last eight weeks. Not all of your documents may relate to the text, but your essay should demonstrate the extent to which the document interpretations contribute to a broader understanding of the tensions and divisions that existed in the formation of the United States. Your essay must include the following:
• Clear references that include citations to both the book (Celia, A Slave) and the documents that you choose to revisit.
• Articulation of the tensions that frame the formation of the United States.
• Comprehension of the issues that are at the center of Celia's story.
Interpretation
George Fitzhugh, The Blessings of Slavery Read 29-30 and Chapter XXI (page 294-299)
• How does Fitzhugh compare slavery of his day to the slavery of ancient Rome and Greece?
• Does Fitzhugh see race as an important factor in terms of slavery? Explain
• According to the excerpt, which group is persecuting free white laborers?
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Declaration of Sentiments
• Why would the authors of the Declaration parallel the Declaration of Independence?
• What is their major demand?
• Why would people reject and actively fight against the ideas of this document?
George Fitzhugh, Slavery Justified
• What does Fitzhugh consider to be the basic failures of the northern states and France?
• According to Fitzhugh, what is the proper status and role of women?
• Give some examples that illustrate why Fitzhugh considers slavery to be superior to free labor.