Our Nig: Sketches from the Life of a Free Black

When Frado turns 9 years old, Mrs. Bellmont declares that her schooling is complete and that she must resume housework full-time. One day, the family is busy in preparation for their son James’s visit. Mrs. Bellmont is extremely anxious about preparing the house for her son’s visit and is in an especially foul mood. She tasks Frado with picking wood. When Frado brings an insufficient bundle for the hearth, Mrs. Bellmont punishes her. This happens for several rounds, until Mrs. Bellmont’s fury is so great that she starts to kick Frado. Fearful and hurt, Frado runs away and hides.

Watching from a close distance is Aunt Abby, Mr. Bellmont’s sister, who asks her brother why he allows such treatment of Frado to persist. Mr. Bellmont offers the excuse, “How am I to help it? Women rule the earth, and all in it” (25). Aunt Abby thinks about taking Frado under her care but knows that will create problems between her and Mrs. Bellmont, with whom she already has a tenuous relationship.

When James arrives, he wants to meet Frado who he has heard described in letters by Jack. When Frado is nowhere to be found, an argument ensues, in which Mr.