“The Old Cabin” tells a story of slavery in poetic form. It isn’t the author’s story but it is the story of his family. His mother was emancipated, and likely told Dunbar detailed stories about her past experiences. Other poets during the Renaissance criticized poems like this one, accusing it of racism for using heavy southern dialect (Dunbar did not talk in the dialect he uses) and having the speaker reminisce about slavery. Take a position on whether "The Old Cabin" is offensive, and argue why it is or is not using evidence from the text. Write five sentences.
1 answer
I believe that "The Old Cabin" is not offensive because it serves as a powerful reminder of the harsh realities of slavery and the importance of remembering and learning from our past. The poem does not glorify slavery, but instead sheds light on the suffering and struggles that slaves endured. It is a poetic portrayal of a dark chapter in American history that should not be forgotten. Additionally, the use of dialect in the poem adds authenticity to the narrative and captures the unique voice and perspective of the speaker. Overall, "The Old Cabin" is a thought-provoking piece that educates readers about the horrors of slavery and the resilience of those who lived through it.