The Slave Girl's Farewell
A young girl lives with her mother in a West Indian island, unaware of her status as a slave. When her master decides to move to Louisiana, he cruelly separates her from her mother, marking a traumatic turning point in her life. The girl expresses her sorrow and longing through poignant reflections on her childhood, memories of freedom, and the love she shares with her mother. She recalls the innocence of her early years, filled with play and the beauty of her surroundings, oblivious to the harsh realities of her existence. The impending departure forces her to confront the painful truth of her enslavement, as she grapples with the loss of her mother and the life she once knew. In her farewell, she articulates her fears and the emotional turmoil of leaving her mother behind. She yearns for comfort and protection, lamenting the absence of her mother's nurturing presence during her labor and suffering. The girl’s farewell is imbued with deep sorrow, as she implores her mother to remember her and send blessings across the sea. The work captures the profound bond between mother and daughter, highlighting themes of love, loss, and the harsh realities of slavery. The girl's reflections serve as a powerful testament to the emotional and psychological impact of separation and the longing for familial connection amidst the brutality of enslavement.
By Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis · First published 1859 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Drama · 364 words
First lines
The incident which suggested the following lines is this: -- A young girl was living with her mother in one of the West Indian Islands, quite unconscious of her being a slave. Her master, on leaving the Island for a permanent residence in Louisiana, cruelly separated the girl from her parent forever.
Mother, I leave thee -- thou hast been, Through long, long years of pain, The only hope my fond heart knew; Or e'er shall know again.
What this Textopian page supports
The Slave Girl's Farewell is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis, dated 1859 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis
- Date: 1859 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Drama, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 364 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Slave Girl's Farewell by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Slave Girl's Farewell?
- How does this short story by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Prodigals Return by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- A Story Of The Rebellion by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Slave Mother A Tale Of The Ohio by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Rose Of Dixie by O. Henry
- Iola Leroy by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Mothers Treasures by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative addresses themes of slavery and personal history within a specific historical context.
- Drama — The emotional conflict and personal struggle depicted in the poem reflect dramatic themes.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, loss, and familial bonds, characteristic of literary fiction.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · Slavery · Abolitionism · Female Protagonist · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Racial Tensions · Family Drama · Love Story · Escape from Slavery · Freedom Quest