“A Fight for All Women”The feminist approach of Harriet Jacobs in her autobiographical story Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl brought to life the slavery imposed on women, particularly enslaved black women, in 19th century America. In an effort to raise awareness of the conditions of enslaved women and promote the cause of abolition, Jacobs decided to publish her personal story of sexual exploitation and escape. The author's slave narrative focuses on women's experiences, the treatment of sexual exploitation, its importance on family life and maternal principles, and its appeal to white female readers. Likewise, through the use of feminist/gender theory, issues related to gender and sexuality can be applied to the author's slave narrative. Incidents in the life of a slave and her lack of reception in her time reveal the strict limitations and unique challenges that Harriet Jacobs encountered and overcame as a woman in antebellum America. In particular, the author defines femininity and its ideals in patriarchal society. and exposes how ideas of femininity and appropriate ideals depended on class and race. In the 19th century, the “real woman” was idealized as religiously pious, morally pure, submissive, and devoted to domestic life. This idealization was perpetuated by both men and women in the patriarchal society of antebellum America. Jacobs's account shows that this idea of ​​the ideal woman was not accessible to everyone, especially enslaved black women in the South. Slaves were considered property by law and had no rights. The author notes that “under the laws of the South, a slave, being property, cannot hold any property” (923). For...... middle of paper ......biographical account. Nonetheless, Jacobs's female slave narrative would eventually be discovered as an important literary achievement for the female slave and feminism. Harriet Jacobs' female slave narrative brought to the forefront many issues related to gender and sexuality in the patriarchal society of antebellum America. In particular, the author described how the ideals of the "real woman" were unrealizable based on race and class and the refusal to submit to male patriarchy to gain the power to choose. The lack of acceptance of Jacobs' narrative in his time also highlighted patriarchal views. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl calls on women to break away from the tyrannical oppression of the ideal “real woman.” Jacobs' work is an inspiring feminist narrative depicting femininity and sexuality as linked to feminist/gender theory..