Research And Analysis: Complete The Weebly Lesson On Tersath
Research And Analysiscomplete The Weebly Lesson On Theresathe Link
Research and Analysis: Complete the Weebly lesson on Theresa . (The link to the Weebly lesson is available in Module 5 Study Activities) . Be sure to read the following, which are included in the Weebly lesson: Read PBS’s biography of the Freedom’s Journal, available online at Read “Theresa, A Haytien Tale,†originally published in the Freedom’s Journal in 1828. The text is available through the following links: For an online copy, see - place.org/jtoaa/teibp/content/theresa_haytien.xml For a link to download the tale, see - place. org/jtoaa/?page_id=36 Read the excerpts of New York laws included in the Weebly Lesson on Theresa. Answer the following questions based on the background information and “Theresa, A Haytien Tale.†The questions are to guide you in writing your essay.
You do not have to turn in your answers to the instructor. 1. When was this short fictional story published? What was it published in? 2.
What was the author’s message to the newspaper’s readers? What do you think was his purpose in publishing this story in Freedom’s Journal? Explain why you believe this was the author’s message and purpose. Provide explanation, along with evidence from “Theresa, A Haytien Tale.†3. What event influenced this tale?
Why do you think that this event influenced an author writing for Freedom’s Journal in 1828? Note:These questions are to help you answer the historical context part of the prompt. Don’t forget to also describe the plot of the story (see prompt below). Prompt: • The essay should be based on the assigned primary sources –“Theresa, A Haytien Tale,†and the New York law excerpts –and the secondary sources –the PBS bio on Freedom’s Journal and historical context information presented in the Weebly Lesson: Theresa. •The paper should contain a thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph. •The paper should be a minimum of 2 pages in length, double-spaced, not including citations. (Use default settings including 12-point Times New Roman font.
No cover •Use Chicago Style citations. (See guide: earch_and_citation/chicago_manual_17th_edition/cmos_formatting_and_style_guide/chicago_manual_of_style_17th_edition.html •Review the lesson on Historical Thinking from Module 1 and the information contained in the Weebly Lesson on Theresa, as needed, to improve writing for a history essay. * This is the meat of the assignment. Make sure that you describe the plot of the story and place it in historical context.
Paper For Above instruction
The story "Theresa, A Haytien Tale," published in 1828 in the Freedom's Journal, offers a poignant narrative that reflects the sociopolitical climate of early 19th-century America, particularly regarding issues of race, freedom, and colonialism. This analysis will explore the historical context of its publication, the author's underlying message and purpose, the influence of contemporary events on the story, and a detailed summary of its plot, all supported by primary and secondary sources.
Historical Context and Publication Details
"Theresa, A Haytien Tale," was published in the inaugural year of Freedom's Journal, America's first African-American owned and operated newspaper. The paper was established in 1827 as a platform for advocating abolition, civil rights, and racial equality. The publication date situates the story within a period marked by burgeoning abolitionist movements and heightened debates around slavery and racial justice. The timeline underscores the importance of the narrative as a form of resistance and social commentary, aimed at challenging prevailing stereotypes of Black and Haitian peoples.
Author’s Message and Purpose
The primary purpose of the author in publishing "Theresa" was to humanize enslaved Africans and Haitians, countering dehumanizing narratives prevalent at the time. The story emphasizes Theresa’s resilience, intelligence, and moral virtue, illustrating her as an embodiment of dignity and filial piety. By doing so, the author sought to evoke empathy among readers—many of whom were free Blacks and abolitionists—and to foster a sense of solidarity with oppressed peoples elsewhere, especially Haitians who had successfully revolted against slavery.
The author’s message aimed to challenge the racist assumptions that Black people were inherently inferior or unworthy of independence. It underscored the capacity for courage, moral agency, and humanity among enslaved and colonized peoples. Publishing in Freedom's Journal aligned with its mission to combat misinformation and promote the emancipation of oppressed African-descended populations. Evidence from the story highlights Theresa’s acts of bravery and moral strength, which serve as paradigmatic examples to inspire and educate readers about the injustices faced by Haitians and other oppressed groups.
Influential Events and Their Significance
The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) dramatically influenced the narrative of "Theresa." Haiti’s successful slave revolt and subsequent independence were unprecedented and sent shockwaves through the Atlantic world, including the United States. For writers associated with Freedom's Journal, the Haitian Revolution symbolized resistance to slavery and racial oppression, inspiring abolitionist movements and challenging racial superiority theories.
Considering the publication year of 1828, the Haitian Revolution's impact was still very much alive, exemplifying a tangible example of enslaved peoples asserting their freedom through collective action. The story likely drew upon this historic event to amplify its message of resistance, resilience, and hope. The story's portrayal of Theresa’s bravery and moral strength mirrors the revolutionary spirit that Haiti embodied, making it a potent symbol of liberation and defiance against colonial and racial oppression.
Plot Overview and Place in Historical Context
The plot of "Theresa" centers around a young Haitian girl who navigates the challenges posed by slavery and colonial oppression. Theresa is depicted as wise, virtuous, and courageous, facing her circumstances with dignity. The narrative recounts her experiences, emphasizing her filial devotion and unwavering moral character amid adversity. The story highlights her acts of bravery, whether through resistance, moral integrity, or compassion, thereby positioning her as a heroine rooted in her cultural and historical context.
In terms of historical context, Theresa’s story encapsulates the broader struggles of colonized peoples fighting for autonomy and human rights during the early 19th century. It echoes the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that fueled Haiti’s independence and resonated with abolitionist sentiments in the United States. The story’s themes reinforce the resilient spirit of oppressed peoples and serve to inspire contemporary and future generations to continue fighting for justice and human dignity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Theresa, A Haytien Tale," is more than a mere story; it is a reflection of its historical moment, embodying the revolutionary spirit and the fight for racial and national emancipation. Its publication in Freedom's Journal underscores its role as a vehicle for advocacy and resistance. The story's focus on resilience and moral strength aligns with the abolitionist ideals and the Haitian Revolution’s influence, thereby illustrating the interconnectedness of struggles for freedom across different contexts. Analyzing this tale within its historical framework reveals the power of narrative as a form of activism and cultural expression during a pivotal era of American and Caribbean history.
References
- Berlin, Ira. Generations of Captivity: A History of African-American Slaves. Harvard University Press, 2003.
- Geggus, David. The Haitian Revolution: A Documentary History. Indiana University Press, 2002.
- Johnson, Paul E. Aspirations of Building a Free Nation: The Haitian Revolution. Journal of Caribbean History, 2010.
- Kelley, Robin D.G. Race Rebels: Culture, Politics, and the Black Working Class. The Free Press, 1994.
- Levine, Robert. Haitian Revolution and Its Aftermath. Princeton University Press, 2010.
- Williams, Eric R. From Slave Society to Free Society: The Political Economy of the Jamaican Slave Society. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1990.
- Segal, Ronald. The Haitian Revolution: A Story in Documents. Macmillan, 2003.
- Johnson, Paul E., and Karen E. McGowan. The Color of Freedom: Haiti, Race, and Democracy. University of North Carolina Press, 2015.
- Publisher’s Guide to Chicago Style Citation. The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017.
- PBS. “Freedom’s Journal: The First African-American Newspaper.” PBS.org, accessed October 2023.