'Presence Of Literary Tradition' By Caesar Grant
366 Words2 Pages
This excerpt is from a slavery folktale, told by Caesar Grant in The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. This passage explores a young woman’s liberation from bondage and torture through death. By liberating herself, and her child, this new mother would rather die than keep living as a slave knowing her child would endure the same harshness she had.
1. Presence of Literary Convention: Symbolism
Throughout this passage the reader is exposed to the harsh conditions and inhumane treatment this new mother is subjected to. Concerned with her new born child’s welfare, this weak and dehumanized mother struggled to work while also nurturing her child. The old man symbolizes the strength this woman finally has to let go and enter heaven.