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Define Freedom as you understand Jacobs comprehension of freedom As defined by Britannica Encyclopedia Online, freedom in the condition of being free of restraints. Freedom is liberty of the person from slavery, detention, or oppression; it is political independence; it is the capacity to exercise choice and free will without control or interference. Jean Jacques Rousseau, a French philosopher states that freedom in inherent to humanity, an inevitable facet of the possession of a soul and sapience, with the implication that all social interactions subsequent to birth imply a loss of freedom, voluntary or involuntary. [ web Freedom, as Harriet Jacobs comprehends it, is being free from restrains that limit life choices, paths, and way of living life. In Jacobs understanding, freedom is being in charge of ones own life without outside intervention; it is being able to guide the flow of life with ones own hands.
In Incidents in a life of a slave girl, Harriet Jacobs does not only help the reader comprehend her own understanding of freedom, but she also provides examples of what freedom means to her and how she goes about achieving it. Linda Brent, being Harriet Jacobs in reality, comprehends freedom as a determination to set herself and her children free from slavery. Linda Brent portrays an image of a strong black woman, who instead of exhibiting physical power, exhibits psychological and spiritual strength. In order to acquire freedom, Linda acts intelligently, and assumes responsibility for her risky choices. She wants to provide her children with a life she has only heard of.
She wants to make sure that they choose their own life paths, and wake up in the morning with a feeling of control over their lives. Such determination on Lindas behalf is demonstrated by her creativity as she clearly constructs a plan to elude Dr. Flint by writing him letters and having her friends mail them from New York and Philadelphia. Linda is also a very compassionate person and desires to acquire freedom from barriers of race and class. She recognizes that women are the victims of a sexist, patriarchal society, and, although she does not take direct action, she remains empathetic even towards Mrs. Flint.
Despite Lindas mistress jealousy and hatred towards her, Linda understands that women are subjected to the rules of a patriarchal society. Even though skin colour, race, and class still play a role, it all comes down to male domination. In this case, it is evident that Lindas understanding of freedom also includes being free from restrictions imposed on women and minorities; it is being free from stereotypes and biases; it is being equal and having equal rights as men. Linda spends nearly seven years hiding in her grandmothers attic just so that she could set herself free from slavery. In Lindas understanding, freedom is being able to exist without the fear of being brought back to slavery. It is being able to wake up and realize that it is a brand new day, a brand new way to live life and there is nothing and no one to dictate that way.
Linda cares for her children deeply and goes through the suffering of having to hide for seven years mostly for her childrens freedom. Ironically, Linda subsides herself to an even harsher punishment by having to spend seven long years in the attic, which in itself, can be viewed as slavery imposed by desire to be free. Linda finally acquires freedom after 27 long years; she is finally able to present her children with the smell of being free. For many people there are many ways to define freedom, and there are many types of freedom that can be argued upon. However, there is one type of freedom that anyone will unanimously agree on: freedom to live life.
Living ones life to the fullest with no regrets and knowing that whatever tomorrow brings will be pleasant because one has the greatest gift of all: freedom to live.
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Research essay sample on Define Freedom As You Understand Jacobs Comprehension Of
