Our Nig: Mag Smith, My Mother
By: Harriet E. Wilson
Questions
Historical Relevance:
Spiritualist Movement
Civil War
Author's Info:
Purpose:
The purpose is to expose how even the life of an ordinary Black is still in some aspects consumed by the institution of Slavery.
Unknown Words:
Circumspect
Cogent
Infamy
Quotes:
Highlights:
Summary:
Mag Smith grew up without her parents and never experience true love. She lost a baby and decided to keep to herself. Jim wanted to marry her to help his own conscience.
Literary Elements:
- Before: Why did she choose focus on life after slavery?
- During: Why did Mag retreat from those around her?
- After: What did Jim find so intriguing about Mag?
Historical Relevance:
Spiritualist Movement
Civil War
Author's Info:
- Wilson was born in Milford, New Hampshire in 1825
- She married Thomas Wilson in 1851.
- She was indentured servant.
- She used writing to support her family.
Purpose:
The purpose is to expose how even the life of an ordinary Black is still in some aspects consumed by the institution of Slavery.
Unknown Words:
Circumspect
Cogent
Infamy
Quotes:
- "Pity and love know little severance." (pg. 525)- Feelings of pity and love often accompany one another.
- "...to die neglected and forgotten before she would be dependent on any." (pg. 524)- She understood the value of independence.
- "...hugging her wrongs but making no effort to escape." (pg. 524)- She couldn't change what she has done.
Highlights:
- She had to raise herself because her parents were not around.
- Mag Smith fell in love and left her friends because they fell apart.
- She lost her baby.
- She was treated wrong by the people in her community with gossip, cold greetings, and dirty looks.
- She didn't want to deal with the "Jesus Jokers," and she wanted to be alone.
- She just wanted to work and make money.
- Her only friend was an African American named Jim.
- Jim wanted to marry Mag for her sake because he pitied her and loved her.
- Jim asked if Mag would marry him.
- Mag was surprised but they still got married.
Summary:
Mag Smith grew up without her parents and never experience true love. She lost a baby and decided to keep to herself. Jim wanted to marry her to help his own conscience.
Literary Elements:
- Foreshadowing: "She had a loving, trusting heart." (pg. 521)
- Mood: "Lonely Mag Smith!" (pg. 521)
- Comic Relief: "Where you come from, you sly Nigger" (pg. 525)