First Paper: Celia, A Slave

Questions to Consider: Melton A. McLaurin’s Celia, A Slave must be completed by October 20. As you read the book, try to grasp his general arguments but also consider the questions and ideas listed below. They will provide the basis for your writing assignment on October 20 and our discussion on October 25. You do not have to submit written responses to these questions. Instructions for the writing assignment are at the bottom of this page.

• Who is Celia, and how did she end up a part of the Newsom household?
   
• What was her relationship with Robert Newsom, and what was its impact on Celia?
   
• What was her relationship with George, and why did he give her an ultimatum? What was his motive in doing so?
   
• Celia appealed to Newsom’s daughters for aid. Why were they so unsympathetic?
   
• What was Celia’s crime, and what drove her to it? Do you think she did the right thing? What would you have done? What role do you think George played in the event?
   
• What strategy was employed by the prosecution? By the defense? What protections did the legal system offer slaves and slaveowners?
   
• How did slave law's treatment of Celia as property affect her trial? What motions did the prosecutor make in order to take advantage of this?
   
• What was the outcome of the trial?
   
• What did Celia’s trial reveal about the importance of race and gender in the antebellum South?
   
• McLaurin devotes considerable attention to explaining the broader context in which these events took place. Why? What was happening at this time in American history that helps us to understand this specific event?
   
• What problems do you think McLaurin had in researching slavery in general and this topic in particular? Is his book speculative or based on conclusive evidence?

Writing Assignment: When you come to class on October 20, we will give you an assignment on which you will write for the full period. The question will be announced at that time, but consideration of the ones above should offer adequate preparation. While preparing the essay, you will be allowed to refer to Celia, A Slave and to a dictionary but may not use any notes. Keep in mind that the more time you devote to flipping through the book, the less time you will have to write the essay. Paper, pen/pencil, and the book are all you will need. While we will not hold you to the same standards as a paper prepared in advance, we will expect you to produce a reasonably well-written, clearly organized, and effectively argued essay.