The Importance of Language

Harriet Jacobs uses a variety of specific language in chapter 10 of Incidents of  Slave Girl. She starts the chapter by using language that is very strong and biting. This is especially prevalent when Linda explains how Dr. Flint was building her a house. She is very bitter towards him and it shows through her statement of "I vowed before my Maker that I would never enter it. I had rather toil on the plantation from dawn till dark; I had rather live and die in jail, than drag on, from day to day, through such a living death". The phrase "through such a living death" was what hit me the most. In that way, Jacob's used very dark language to emphasize her hatred towards Dr. Flint and the house. Later in the chapter, Jacobs describes another conversation with Dr. Flint regarding the house. She refuses to go, which angers him, but Jacob's finally explains that she also won't go because she is pregnant with Mr. Sands child. Her tone is almost prideful and she is somewhat giddy for standing up to him. Her tone changes suddenly when she tells her grandmother. Her grandmother's language is hurtful and biting and all Linda can do is cry and be ashamed, she even goes as far as praying to die. That language was used to make an impact, to emphasize the fact that she is ashamed and hurting. This whole chapter uses language that makes you feel for Linda and her situation. This chapter is very important for the rest of the work and helps convey the whole message.