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Broken to the Plow   By: (1881-1943)

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"Broken to the Plow" by Charles Caldwell Dobie is a striking and emotionally powerful memoir that takes readers on a journey through one man's struggle to break the chains of bondage and find freedom. Set in the antebellum South, this book provides a harrowing and raw firsthand account of the life of an enslaved man, shedding light on the cruelty and inhumanity endured by millions during this dark chapter of history.

Dobie's narrative is poignant and deeply personal, gripping readers from the very first page. Through vivid descriptions and gripping storytelling, the author immerses us in his world — a world of pain, despair, but also of resilience and hope. We witness Dobie's transformation from a young boy, torn from his family and subjected to the horrors of slavery, to a determined man willing to risk it all for a chance at freedom.

The author's writing style is simple yet concise, allowing the reader to fully absorb the weight of every word. Dobie's story is not only a testament to the indomitable human spirit, but also a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during this shameful period of history. He pulls no punches, delivering unflinching accounts of beatings, psychological torment, and the dehumanization experienced by enslaved individuals.

What sets "Broken to the Plow" apart is Dobie's introspection and introspective voice. He doesn't merely recount the events of his life; he delves into the complex emotions that accompany each experience. From his anger and resentment towards his oppressors to moments of fleeting joy and camaraderie with fellow slaves, Dobie lays bare the internal turmoil of someone trapped in a system that denies their very humanity.

In addition to the emotional weight, the book is also a testament to the power of education and self-determination. Despite the odds stacked against him, Dobie manages to acquire knowledge and skills that eventually become his ticket to freedom. His unwavering determination to overcome the oppressive system that confines him is inspiring and serves as a reminder that knowledge is truly liberating.

While "Broken to the Plow" is a deeply insightful and thought-provoking read, it does contain graphic depictions of violence and language that may be distressing for some readers. However, these elements are integral to the narrative, driving home the harsh realities of slavery and emphasizing the urgency for change.

Overall, "Broken to the Plow" is a work that demands to be read and remembered. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a call for empathy, and a stark reminder that the scars of slavery continue to shape our society. Dobie's memoir serves as both a historical document and a timeless lesson in the pursuit of freedom and equality.

First Page:

BROKEN TO THE PLOW

A Novel by

CHARLES CALDWELL DOBIE

Author of "THE BLOOD RED DAWN"

HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS

NEW YORK AND LONDON

Printed in the United States of America

TO MY BROTHER Who Helped Make My Literary Career Possible.

BROKEN TO THE PLOW

CHAPTER I

Toward four o'clock in the afternoon Fred Starratt remembered that he had been commissioned by his wife to bring home oyster cocktails for dinner. Of course, it went without saying that he was expected to attend to the cigars. That meant he must touch old Wetherbee for money. Five dollars would do the trick, but, while he was about it, he decided that he might as well ask for twenty five. There were bound to be other demands before the first of the month, and the hard fisted cashier of Ford, Wetherbee & Co. seemed to grow more and more crusty over drafts against the salary account. If one caught him in a good humor it was all right. Usually a risqué story was the safest road to geniality. Starratt raked his brains for a new one, to no purpose. Every moment of delay added greater certainty to the conviction that he was in for a disagreeable encounter. At four o'clock Wetherbee always began to balance his cash for the day and he was particularly vicious at any interruptions during this precise performance... Continue reading book >>




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