The Theme Of Slavery In Toni Morrison's A Mercy

In A Mercy, Toni Morrison explores the notions of slavery for all people vying for a place in the new world. The cast, which bring this story to life, includes, slave owners, two female slaves, two indentured servants, Sorrow, and an unnamed free African American blacksmith. The story is told through the first person narrative of Florens; coupled with the thoughts of an unknown third person. Through this, Morrison connects a rich story that portrays the lives of those finding themselves in America just looking for a place to belong.

Firstly, Morrison creates a diverse setting and in this world. She looks at the world of slavery and paints a picture of its flaws. Our encounter with D’Ortega’s slaves vividly creates this image. The slaves are placed in a line and from this line we see how they become

After Jacob’s unfortunate death, the book is filled with unmastered women. Women have a story to tell of their individual enslavement and how they eventually came to be together. Rebekka, who came to the America’s, as a “plump, comely, and capable” young woman becomes a mistress. She remarks that, “already sixteen, she knew her father would have shipped her off to anyone who would book her passage” (p. 86). Her only choice is a world in which she belongs to someone. The other women are enslaved to the family that owns them. Florens, although very willing, is sent to find the blacksmith. She leaves as instructed but is also enslaved to love and finds she is enamored with the blacksmith. She describes her passion and thirst for him claiming that she “hungers with her eyes” for him. She is in love and because of her love, will be forever enslaved. Finally, Lina remains a stoic source of order and a nurturing substitute for Florens. Lina’s character is in charge and often orders the girls around serving as a disciplinarian for the girls. With these three women, Morrison creates the roots of womanly