After the end of the American Civil War, as the institution of slavery collapsed and the tragic era began, former slaves responded to the 13th Amendment by seeking new economic opportunities. Many plantation owners advocated for the return of their former slaves. One of these former slaves, Jourdan Anderson, responded to his former master's request with a satirical response. Former slaves learned to communicate with each other in cunning and circuitous ways in order to conceal their true feelings. His letter provides a written representation of this account. Behind his witty tone is his stance on freedom, exploitation, and insight into Anderson's character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayP.H. Anderson offered his former slave, Jourdon Anderson, a job to return to his plantation in exchange for money, food, clothing, and housing; but Anderson not only refused the position, but demanded that his former master repay his owed wages to rebuild a positive opinion of his ex-master ("Letter from a Freedman to His Former Master"). Anderson reveals the anger behind his enslavement at the request of his former master, which showed that the South never really went to war. The ratification of the 13th Amendment has led to contrasting views on the definition of freedom. Many African Americans viewed freedom as equality under the law. Many whites, however, preferred to define freedom for African Americans as freedom from bondage. Anderson describes this in his letter: "As for my liberty, which you say I can have, there is nothing to be gained on that point..." (p.2). After emancipation from slavery, many whites continued to believe that they were capable of exercising control over their former slaves. According to them, the social hierarchy has not changed. Many African Americans continued to be treated as slaves, but were instead called freedmen. Many white people preferred to believe that the 13th Amendment was insignificant. Anderson addresses this point by subtly stating that his former master does not grant him freedom, the United States government does. Anderson then addresses the salary he and his wife should be compensated for, "minus their clothes and the three doctor visits they had." » (p.2). He ironically incorporates this to emphasize the negligible care they were given, they were degraded and humiliated. Anderson recognizes that he will never be compensated, his goal in asking for compensation is to emphasize that he too is human. The elegant and hospitable lifestyle of the Old South came at the expense of African Americans. Along with the floggings that underperforming slaves endured, many women, especially adolescent girls, were sexually exploited. Rape, violence, and brutality were the norm in the Old South. Anderson writes that he would “rather starve and die… than see my daughters ashamed of the violence and wickedness of their young masters” (p. 2). Although he criticizes his former master's actions, he speaks of him in a principled manner, which demonstrates character. He intelligently recognizes that he is the greater person and thus exerts power over his former master. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Jourdan Anderson is able to write this letter with a satirical tone due to his.