Critical Study of Rowson's "Slaves in Algiers; or, A Struggle for Freedom"

Essay , 2012 , 7 Pages , Grade: 14/20

Literature - Africa

This essay tries to shed light on the hidden relationship between literature and ideology. It focuses more specifically on captivity narratives, which were once one of the most important literary writings vis-a-vis their impact on shaping people's opinion on the one hand but also on influencing the decision-makings in the political arena on the other hand. The piece of 'literature' that this essays examines is called: Slaves in Algiers; Or, A Struggle for Freedom by Susanna Rowson.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• American Perceptions of "Barbary"
• Fetnah and Rebecca
• Ben Hassan
• America and "Barbary" in Contrast
• Freedom and its Implications
• Fetnah's Concept of Freedom
• Ben Hassan's View on Freedom
• Freedom as Patriotism
• Slavery as a Central Theme
• American Slavery
• "Splendid Slavery"
• American Superiority
• Moral Values and Virtue
• American Forgiveness
• Exceptions to American Superiority

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This critical study aims to analyze Susanna Haswell Rowson's play, "Slaves in Algiers; or, A Struggle for Freedom," published in 1794. The study explores American perceptions of "Barbary," the concept of freedom in the play, the various dimensions of slavery, and the portrayal of American superiority.

• American Perceptions of "Barbary"
• Freedom and its Contrasting Definitions
• The Different Dimensions of Slavery
• American Superiority and its Justification
• The Play's Depiction of Race and Ethnicity

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

This section focuses on the main themes and arguments presented in the play, providing a chapter-by-chapter summary without revealing major conclusions or spoilers. The play opens with a depiction of "Barbary" as an exotic place, full of riches but lacking freedom. The character of Fetnah, an American captive, embodies the contrast between the physical captivity of "Barbary" and the intellectual and spiritual freedom she has been taught by American values. The play further develops this contrast by portraying characters who represent "Barbary," such as Ben Hassan, a Jewish slave trader who is depicted as treacherous, greedy, and lacking in moral values. Freedom is presented as a central theme, with various interpretations offered throughout the play. Fetnah initially believes that her emotional and spiritual freedom cannot be bought, but later adopts a more Americanized perspective on freedom as a concept tied to patriotism and individual liberty. Ben Hassan provides a satirical perspective on freedom, associating it with the right to marry multiple wives. The play also explores the complexities of slavery, portraying the Americans' struggle for physical freedom, while highlighting the concept of "splendid slavery" through Fetnah's experience as the Dey's favorite. The play concludes with a strong assertion of American superiority, emphasizing their moral values and their ability to shape the views of others. The characters, particularly the Americans, are presented as virtuous and forgiving, contrasting with the supposed immorality of those who are not American. However, exceptions to this portrayal are present, like Ben Hassan, who is seen as deserving slavery for his exploitative actions.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This critical study focuses on American perceptions of "Barbary," the concept of freedom, different types of slavery, and the portrayal of American superiority in Rowson's play. The work explores themes of freedom, captivity, race, ethnicity, and moral values within a historical context of Anglo-American relations with North Africa during the late 18th century.

• College: University Hassan II. Casablanca
• Course: Cultural History of Moroccan American Relations
• Grade: 14/20
• Author: Amine Zidouh (Author)
• Publication Year: 2012
• Pages: 7
• Catalog Number: V192309
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656214854
• Language: English
• Tags: Captivity, narratives, rowson, critical, slaves, in, algiers, struggle, for, freedom, white, slavery