What Authors Consider When Writing Novels About Slavery

Readers are interested in countless themes discussed in literature, and the harrowing events of slavery are one of them. Writing novels about slavery can be intimidating, but authors can craft powerful materials by considering these points.

Given its unbelievably inhumane nature, slavery is an interesting topic to explore. It may be a concept that’s (fortunately) long gone. But its remnants remain deeply engraved in society.

Marking some of the darkest, cruelest days in the world, the concept continues to tyrannize people. Unanswered questions about why and how it unfolded are stuck, pestering their minds, pleading to be understood.

The trauma people experienced, and its contribution to the world’s progress and movement are some of the matters that make it a haunting occurrence in history until today.

Exploring the Theme Through Literature

Not much room has been provided for people to get neck-deep into the topic. Talking about it with friends or a live audience may not be enough space to express one’s insights about such a consequential era. Fortunately, what can’t be verbally expressed can be turned into written art.

Literature has opened itself as a platform for people to dive deeply into cynical matters.

Although it can be met with judgment, materials that openly discuss these concepts are often praised and appreciated. They open people’s eyes to parts of the world they may be ignorant about.

Writing novels about slavery portrays the event in a realistic light.

New books about slavery and the Civil War provide more realistic details of these harrowing events. They aim to allow people into this period of gloom, showing them the toll that slaves had to endure during this brutality. Multiple materials have been written to explore this distressing reality, such as in The Bone Pile Series by Sharon Traner. The author captures what had happened before, during, and after the Civil War, how it affected people, and the reality of how slavery came into society’s picture.

But beyond painting vivid imagery of this period in time, how else did literature influence the course of people’s struggles?

Literature’s Contribution to the End of Slavery

Literature, a channel with immense influence, was heavily utilized by abolitionists to spread their advocacies about matters terrorizing the world. By writing vivid imagery using books, newspapers, and even poetry, they exposed their audience to the bleak side of humanity, calling on them to act to improve these conditions.

The ploy against slavery is no separate matter.

Literature played a part in ending this atrocity.

Not only had it opened people’s eyes to what was truly happening, down to details they would have missed as outsiders, but it had also taught resolutions aimed at changing the course of matters. Awareness is integral in stopping slavery. Although the predicament had been consequential and widespread in communities, not everyone may have been genuinely enlightened about its intricacies.

Writing novels about slavery transports people to the event’s actuality. However, in handling such a sensitive topic, what did authors have to consider to ensure they were within respectful boundaries?

Respecting their Experiences

Although the very essence of “slavery” has gradually been watered down in literature, it remains a brutal system inflicting horrific suffering.

Hence, in writing novels about slavery, authors have to portray this sensitively and accurately. They should avoid sensationalism or downplaying the trauma these individuals would have endured. It can be easy to glamorize slavery and romanticize the experiences they’ve gone through. Although this can deliver a great message of hope, authors should still be considerate and tread lightly around it.

Historical Accuracy

Regardless of genre, novels based on real events should be written accurately. Authors must research the period and aspects involved during this occurrence. Not only will this make reading more enjoyable, but it is also a way to respect those who experienced it firsthand.

When writing novels about slavery, accuracy in details is essential. They must ensure social dynamics are realistic.

Avoid Stereotypes

While the focal point of novels about slavery is to showcase how daunting it had been, authors should still be careful about how everyone involved is portrayed.

Enslaved people and slaveholders are often portrayed in nuanced ways. To respect everyone, novels should avoid stereotypes that consciously taint people’s image. Stereotypes such as “cruel masters” must be avoided to honor people’s complex motivations.

Avoid Trivializing the Horrors

Slavery is a real and terrifying matter. It shouldn’t be used for entertainment or as a shallow background detail. It had changed people’s lives, a consequential event in human history. Upon deciding to incorporate it in their stories, authors should pay attention to the cost and fight for freedom. There should be significant discussion about these matters within the story.

Who Can Write About Slavery?

Authors with a good cause can write about slavery. As long as they know the limitations in their scope and the details they would need to research and respect, writing novels about slavery can be for everybody.

Although multiple complexities are involved, following the elements above can help them create powerful and influential materials.

If you’re interested in reading a book that respectfully and accurately tackles the concept of slavery, check out Sharon Traner’s books!