Book of Negroes Title

Unfortunately, I wasn't present during the class discussion about the title of 'Book of Negroes'. But through reading a couple of articles about the subject, I've come to the conclusion that it was completely unnecessary to burn the cover of the book. Historically, book burnings are used to silence or suppress the voice of an author, or even a religion or culture. The harshness and publicity of the act is used -not to eliminate the issue at hand- but to bring shame and unpleasant attention to the author.

Although the title may be deemed offensive, I do not believe that it was intended in menacing way. This was what African Americans were historically called, and censoring the word 'Negro' was simply the author's decision to stay true to the past. It is a harsh title, but the content of the novel is harsh as well, so I believe that it is only fitting. It provides the reader with a little insight on what they are going to be reading. 'Someone Knows My Name' is a much softer title, and the someone picking up this novel may be shocked by the disturbing content.

The title 'Book of Negroes' also serves another purpose, Lawrence Hill has mentioned that the title of the book was also used to bring awareness back to the historical document of the same name. This document was a list of 3,000 African-American slaves who escaped to the British lines during the American Revolution and were granted freedom in Nova Scotia. Hill also mentioned that once people know the historical origins of the title of the book, they are often no longer offended by the title.

The censorship of this book is not necessary, especially censorship to the drastic point of burning books. Personally, I believe that the title of the book is suitable to the content and should not be changed.

Quick Write October 1

Q: What essay question did you like best? Make sure to explain/support your answer.

A: Out of the three classes we worked on essays, I was only present for two. Out of 'The Suitcase Lady' and 'In the Trenches', I preferred 'The Suitcase Lady'. I preferred this essay mainly because the character of the suitcase lady was better developed. In writing, I am more interested in focusing on characters rather than action or intensity. I loved the mystery and character description that was given in 'The Suitcase Lady', one example is on paragraph 2, "Somewhere in her bleary eyes and the deep lines of her face is a story that probably no one will ever really know.". This sentence made me want to keep reading, after I was done the story I wondered about the story of the suitcase lady. Through not providing the name of the suitcase lady added allure.
I also liked the positivity and moral integrity of the suitcase lady. She says, "I believe always try to do the best to help people -the elderly, and kids and my country, and my city of Toronto, Ontario." (Paragraph 25). Although it is important to appreciate what our troops have done in the war, I think that 'The Suitcase Lady' affected me more; it made me think about how I can improve myself to perhaps be more like the suitcase lady. Overall, I enjoyed both of the stories.