Companion or Slave?

Starting from a young age, Thomas Jefferson became accustomed to having close relationships with enslaved slaves. “Early in their lives, each of the Jefferson children received an enslaved child [who was around their age] to serve as a personal attendant…” (Pg. 94) The presence of a enslaved child as his attendant naturally led Jefferson to build a deep relationship with his slave that he had written to his friend that “...his ‘boy’ had gone to sleep.” (Pg. 95) This affectionate reference reflects his attachment to his slave who followed Jefferson around to nurture him closely and to offer a companionship. Such personal engagement draws a connection to another novel The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass in which Frederick Douglass recants his memory of serving for Master Auld’s son, who was about the same age as well. During this phase of Douglass’ life, he becomes enlightened due to his discovery of literacy and its power during his walks with his Master. As illustrated in both novels, humane and intimate companionship arose with their slaves for Jefferson and Douglass, regardless of societal restrictions.

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