The autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman: The Quarters

"One day they must realize fear is worse than any death" (Gaines, 241).

Book four, titled the "Quarters", narrates Jane’s return to the black community, although truthfully, the reader knows she never ceased to be with her people. Jane’s resistance to move into the Samson’s house shows, from the very beginning of her time in the plantation, a lack of interest in surrounding herself with the luxuries enjoyed by the whites. Contrary to Molly’s character, Jane trusts herself and knows her strength, a self-assurance that renders her capable of choosing freedom over comfort and find peace within the humble lifestyle of the quarters. Jane’s reinstatement in the Quarters can also be taken as a strategical move on Gaines’s part, who has chosen to communicate within the final pages of his novel the decisive changes in the black community.

Explore a timeline of African-American history: From Slavery to Civil Rights 

As the wave of the Civil Rights movement makes its forceful entry, the reader can witness the resistance of the older generations, both black and white, whom out of fear to change have decided to neglect involvement. However, social change is inevitable as progress has clearly been made in defining the social-cultural value of the African American. Important figures such as Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis are taking the world by storm, their prowess inspiring respect and courage from both races in spite of the color of their skin. Although there are some in the quarters who fear change, the community is much more willing to fight for their rights, as depicted by the fervent interest in finding a leading figure, a “One” that could potentially provide a face to their movement. This strongly opposes the community Ned encountered, a community that failed to stand together before his death. Jimmy’s aspirations for his people do not die with him, instead his death acts as the final catalyst, and the plan to march to Bayonne are not haltered. 

Robert Samson’s reduced authority further evidences a changing community, as he fails to impose a reign of fear in the younger members of the black community. His heartless decision to send away families who have spent years under his service simply because they are willing to fight for their human rights represents the outdated and close mindedness that springs from white absolutism, that although less severe, is still present. Although Jane has been free since Book 1, it becomes evident that there is a tremendous difference between being free and not being a slave. Jane’s life has been a series of episodes where she has proven her tenacious desire to gain the respect of her people, but it wasn’t until the moment she called Mr. Samson by his name, staring him down as she walked by him, that she asserts her rightful status as an equal and free individual.

Works Cited

Blogpost. "We Don't Discriminate". 2014, http://makehomeyourofficejamaica.blogspot.com/.

"From Slavery To Civil Rights- Classroom Presentation | Teacher Resources - Library Of Congress". Loc.Gov, 2017, http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/civil-rights/.

Gaines, Ernest J. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. Bantam Books, June 1972. 

Pinterest. "Civil Rights Timeline". 2017, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/180566266286490408/.

Pinterest. "Slave Cabins". 2017, https://www.pinterest.com/georgiabyrd1208/slaves/.

"The Autobiography Of Miss Jane Pittman". 2017, https://alchetron.com/cdn/The-Autobiography-of-Miss-Jane-Pittman-images-ed57c77c-5577-4720-967a-39848d26ad3.jpg.