Bury me in a free Land Author Introduction:
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825–1911) was an African American woman of the 19th century. Abolitionist, civil rights activist, poet, and co-founder of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. She is known for giving speeches on these topics, she was a prominent member of the "anti-slavery movement" and a supporter of women's rights. Harper was one of the first African American women writers to have their writings published in the United States. Her first poetry book was released when she was twenty years old. Her short story "Two Offers (published in the 'Anglo-African' in 1859) is widely known as the first short story published by a black woman.
Bury me in a free land Summary:
In 1858, "Bury Me in a Free Land" was published, at a time when the US was deeply divided over slavery. The poem is a powerful and strong statement against slavery's cruelty. Harper's statements provide a strong and clear message: slavery is unacceptable and incompatible with the dignity of any country that wants to embrace freedom.
The poem opens with a personal plea from Harper's speaker, who states clearly that they do not wish to be buried in an area where slavery is practiced. This first line establishes the poem's overall moral and emotional tone. Even in death, the speaker's spirit could not rest in a place where others are held in slavery, demonstrating that their dislike of slavery is not just a philosophical position but also a deeply personal one.
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Harper uses vivid imagery to convey the barbaric practices of slavery in a clear and heartbreaking manner. In her portrayals of families being split up, she shows mothers listening to their children's helpless cries as they are sold away. This heartbreaking image is an indictment of a system that steals people of their humanity and destroys familial bonds. Slave hopelessness and silence are also mentioned by the speaker, illustrating how their humanity is ignored and their voices are silenced. Each stanza emphasizes the harsh and unfair reality of a society that tolerates such brutalities.
Despite her sorrowful tone, There is hope in the speaker's desire for independence. Harper's speaker seeks both personal peace and a more general desire for liberty for all. The focus on freedom suggests that a world free from enslavement is the only way to achieve peace.
Conclusion:
In "Bury Me in a Free Land," Frances Ellen Watkins Harper weaves a moving story that appeals to the universal desire for freedom and justice, surpassing her time. She has a strong dedication to human rights, as demonstrated by her appeal to abolish slavery, and her commitment to serve as a timeless reminder of the value of compassion and equality. The poem conveys a strong message to readers: freedom and true peace are interconnected, and a society cannot hold onto one without ensuring the other for all of its people.
