Perception vs. Reality

Throughout the book, Harriet Wilson reminds the reader of a certain kind of duality associated with her existence: "Our Nig" vs. Harriet Wilson and "Freedom" vs. "Slavery". For me, the juxtaposition of these separate ideas seems to exemplify the idea of perception and reality.

On one hand, the name "Our Nig" was one that was forced onto Frado. Although the name is dehumanizing and in no way representative of the kind of person Frado truly is, the name weaves its way into the vernacular of the Bellmont household. On the other side, Frado and her identity have to compete with the idea that she is the Bellmont's "Nig". Although Frado lives in the so-called "free North", we see very clearly that she is practically forced into slavery. In addition we also see an inherent contradiction between the reality and perception of race. Frado is born light enough to the point where she might be mistaken for a white - delegitamizing ambiguous titles such as black and white. However, Frado is forced to tan in the sun only to reinforce the false misconceptions of Mrs. Bellmont.

With the juxtaposition of these two ideals, Wilson is able to show the hypocrisy of white society's perceptions by pointing out her own reality or by pointing out the reality of another "Nig".