THE MAID
Anne’s story is quite a common one. During the times of the Antebellum and leading up to that historical period, it was customary to have different types of slaves on a larger plantation. The most trusted slaves or the most beautiful slaves were taken on as household servants and lived the closest with their masters. They were considered to be more intelligent, efficient, and better dressed(1). As a household slave, their daily chores consisted mostly of upkeep of the house and then tending to the daily needs of their masters. Examples of upkeep of a large plantation home would be dusting, sweeping, mopping, doing the wash, ironing, sewing, polishing, setting tables for meals or large events, occasionally cooking, and caring for the children of the master and mistress of the house. On top of all these chores, these slaves had lives outside of their position.
In some instances, house slaves were picked for their beauty, which usually correlated with the darkness of their skin. In some occasions, mulattoes were chosen as house slaves because of this characteristic. Another common aspect historical thread that inspired part of Anne’s story was the relationship that could form between the master, or any male figure of authority, and a female slave. In most cases, this relationship was the master sexually abusing the female slaves(2). There were many accounts of this occurring and many believed it to be completely within their right to use their property as they see fit. |