Book Review
The Fires of Jubilee provides a historical account of the events that took place in Virginia Southampton in the year 1931. The book mainly focuses on the violent events that are associated with the rebellion of the slaves. The book provides a loose accounts of events that occurred in Southampton Virginia and which led to bloody rebellion. Some of the statements made by the author of the book do not have evidence.
Most of the accounts made by Oates is based on guesswork. It is prudent to note that the use of guesswork is very vibrant in the entire book. Perhaps the author is trying to apply guesswork so as to make the story more interesting. For instance, traces of speculation has been noted the following excerpt which attempted to describe the conference between Turner and his followers: “For Nat, the eclipse was a sign of what he had been waiting for-could there be any doubt- removing the seal from his lips he gathered around him four slaves for which he had complete trust-Hark, Nelson, Henry, and Sam”1(Oates 52). Actually, the above excerpt is mainly used to entertain and entice the reader. This is because it is difficult to ascertain whether he had a clear proof that Turner had been inspired by the solar eclipse to go on his deliberated rampage.
The actual position taken by Oates concerning the rebellion is vague almost in the entire book. This is because in some parts he appears to be analyzing the events while on the other parts he seems to be sympathetic with the Nat turner’s plight as well as the entire slaves. The book is not very different with a novel. Most of the styles employed in writing this book is almost the same as the one always used by a novelist.
In the old south, Christianity was used by some white men to suppress the slaves in order to make them not to strike back. (Page 14). For instance, the slave masters would prefer to use certain bible verses to teach the slaves. The slave masters misinterpreted the bible by twisting it to mean different things to the slaves. For instance, they were being told that failing to respect what they are being told by their masters and also failing to perform their allotted task was against the will of God. The masters told the slaves that such irresponsible behaviour would deter them from getting into the kingdom of God. Such teachings were meant to make the slaves to remain faithful to their masters and also to do what they have been asked to do irrespective of whether it is good or bad so as to avoid the wrath of God. The masters took advantage of the fact that the slaves were illiterate and therefore could not read and understood the bible.
However, in this book just as the author has said before, Nat Turner comes out to be a very powerful and intelligent character. Despite studying how to read and right is illegal, Nat Turner illegally learned how to read and right. It is after understanding how to read and right that he discovers that their masters had been misleading them pertaining to some teachings in the bible. He believes that he has certain extraordinary powers given to him by God. This is evidenced by the fact that he is able to read the bible and understand that it contain message relating to divine liberation by setting the captives free which was completely opposite from what they were being taught by their masters. It is after this discovery that Nat Turner organises his followers for revolt against the white men who mistreated them by misinterpreting the bible after taking advantage of the fact that they were illiterate.
Most of the perspective of the author solely revolves around how Turner’s view the rebellion. However, it does not take into consideration any other outside experience. The author of the book does not take into account any outside experience that could have been associated with the rebellion but instead only relies on the account made by Turner. It is evidence throughout the book that the criticism concerning the rogue mob and the methods they used to carry out rebellion are very few. It is clear from the book that Oates mainly focuses on the obvious historical abominations associated with slavery such as beatings, splitting a part of various families, mean masters among others. However, he does not explore exactly what the conspirators did to the innocent whites. He does not also take into account the victims view.
Despite the book creating a lot of criticism, it is prudent to appreciate the author for his excellent ability to attract the attention of the reader. The author’s account concerning insurrection has been perfectly done. The book solely focused on the actions of the insurgency. The author brings out this clearly. “With a slight wind murmuring in the darkness, the slaves set out by the light of torch, moving through the woods toward the Travis farm-the first target in their holy war against the white man”6 (Oates 1975).
Work Cited
"Fires of Jubilee- Nat Turner's Fierce Rebellion" StudyMode.com. 03 2013. 03 2013 <http://www.studymode.com/essays/Fires-Of-Jubilee-Nat-Turner-s-Fierce-1494271.html>.
Oates, Stephen B. "The Fires of Jubilee: Nat Turner's Fierce Rebellion". U.K: HarperCollins, 2009.
Oates, Stephen B. "The Fires of Jubilee: Nat Turner's Fierce Rebellion". U.K: HarperCollins, 1975.
