A Review of the Works of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

Frances E. W. Harper was a speaker, writer and abolitionist during the nineteenth century, whose works are worthy of examination and study in the classroom. Born of free parents and educated, Harper advocating women's rights as well as abolition. After the war, her works continued to be political in nature as she sought to educate and enlighten the American people to the struggle and plight of black people and women. Many of her works reflected these themes. Harper is revered for her imaginative style, use of emotion an sentimentality and her eloquence. The following works, all published between1865 and 1875, are, in my opinion, among those especially worth attention.

01. "Almost Constantly Either Traveling or Speaking"

I have chosen this letter because it shows Harper's dedication to her work. It also addresses the criticism she received. However, Harper's devotion to her race drives her to continue her work despite criticism. She wants to lead her people and teach and educate those who can not help themselves.

02. "An Appeal to the American People"

I have chosen to include this poem because of the theme and tone. Like she has done in many of her other works, in this poem, Harper is rebelling against the norm for a woman and attacking an issue head on. In this poem she acknowledges the contributions of the blacks in the war. She challenges the American people to also acknowledge this by giving blacks a fair chance now that the war is over. Although the war is over, Harper continues to fight for equality in her literary works.

03. "Thank God for Little Children"

In this poem Harper addresses the relationship between mother and child. In this poem Harper is much more positive about the relationship. In her previous poems about motherhood, Harper often dealt with the pain and sorrow of forced separation between mother and child. Perhaps her change in tone occurred as a result of becoming a mother herself. She now had a personal experience other than that of the loss of her own mother.

04. "The Change"

In this poem, Harper addresses the overwhelming joy of freedom. In the poem, the speaker enjoys the simple pleasures of life that are "glorified by freedom light." Harper again shows the importance of family in this poem as she contrasts the differences between bondage and freedom. Harper's vivid use of imagery and rhyme make the poem

05. "The Dying Mother"

Like many of Harper's poems, this one focuses on more domestic matters. It recounts and mother's final words to her husband and children. She reminds them to let God guide and lead their lives. This is just one of the many poems that exhibit Harper's religious beliefs. Although the poem is about death, it is also hopeful. The reader knows that the mother 's husband and children will survive after her death.

06. "The Dying Child to Her Blind Father"

This poem is the situational opposite of "The Dying Mother." In the poem, the child tries to comforts her father about her impending death. However she knows how different her death will be for him. By pairing this poem with "The Dying Mother," one can see the strength and power of the woman in the works of Frances Harper.

07. "Aunt Chloe"

I have chosen to include this series of poems because they are the basis of Harper's novel Iola Leroy. Together they track the life of Chloe from slavery and the pain of losing her children to reconstruction and being reunited with her family. I choose this series because again, they exhibit the spirit of hope that permeates Harper's work. Also because they chronicle the progression of one black woman's life. Harper's use of dialect and dialogue also make this poem different from her other works and worthy of deeper examination.

08. "We Are All Bound Up Together"

I have included this piece because it is symbolic of everything that Harper believed in. A true rebel, Harper was not afraid to confront any issue. In this speech, she addresses the role of the black woman in the feminist and equal rights movement. She knew that the fight for women's rights and equal rights did not include rights for her, a black woman. Harper challenges America to be color bind and questions their fight for "rights" when so many "wrongs" are being committed. For a black woman to stand up and openly criticize whites at this time was still rather courageous. Her desire for equal rights included everyone regardless of race, gender or class.

09. "Fancy Etchings"

I have chosen to include Fancy Etchings" because they seem to be autobiographical in nature. So little is known about Harper's life, so it is exciting to get a small glimpse into her relationship with her uncle. Through the character of Jenny, the reader is able to see how Harper used her poetry and other writings to sort out her personal feelings. Writing gave her faith and gave her the power to create. "Fancy Etchings" also shows the idealistic views of Harper.

10. "The Mission of Flowers"

Lastly, I have chosen to include this short story because of the use of symbolism and the deeper meaning behind the story. Harper acknowledges the beauty of celebrating difference. "The Mission of Flowers" exemplifies the creative style of Harper. The story speaks the Harper's own originality as a writer and speaker. Her style was distinct and unlike any other.

The works outlined above are just a sample of the talents of Frances Harper. In the turbulent and confusing time between 1865 and 1875, Harper provided hope for a people without any. Although freedom was prevalent, it was not without hardships. Her works addresses the good and the bad and encourage perseverance through both.