John Pendleton Kenedy Blog
Before the excerpt from John Pendleton Kennedy's Swallow barn, they mention his life and how a part of it was spent on a plantation in Virginia, even though he grew up in Baltimore. Then Kennedy mentions that slavery "was a moral good or a necessary evil for the south as a whole." Then they go on saying that, "Kennedy acknowledged that slavery could spawn occasional malcontents." It tells me that he was aware that slavery does have it's pro's and con's. However, he was fair and impartial. In the first chapter, Kennedy describes the setting with great details. Also, the surrounding areas are described in detail. The second chapter however describes the slaveowner Frank Meriwether. He is described as a handsome gentleman who is married and is a kind master. This story was made before the Civil War.
posted by James at 10:25 AM
4 Comments:
Yes, it does seem as though Kennedy recognizes the importance of portraying slavery as a good thing. The South seemed to acknowledge that they were going to have a fight on their hands. The story doesn't work for me but I wonder what sort of effect it had on the Northerners at that time.
Kennedy definitely tries to portray slavery as a social norm. the way he describes it shows the reader that slavery should be accepted and viewed as a normal, basic practice of life. Kennedy seems to be reaching out to Southerners in this one.
Kennedy uses elegant detail in his piece. After living in the south i can see the truth in his writing. It's strange after many years the south still maintains a good amount of his descripitions. There's still "southern hospitality", beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere. He really paints a beautiful picture throught this piece.
I find it interesting that there were two very distinct versions of literature coming out of the South during this time. Slaves were just beginning to write autobiography type books describing their experiences as a slave and then there were Southerners trying to potray their vision of slavery. It really goes to show you how much a persons perspective on a topic can change the story they tell. Kennedy wanted to paint a nice picture of slavery because from his perspective if slavery were abloished his way of life would be effected and he didn't want that.
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