User talk:StaceyRuiz

Group#1

Beginning
Our Nig opens up with the story of Mag Smith, a bi-racial woman. In the past, Mag fell in love with a man and they had a child out of wedlock. The man abandoned his family and stole her jewelry. After the child dies, Mag was forced to move away to a place where no one knew her. Presently, in this new town, she meets a black man named Jim who falls for Mag. She resists him at first but she soon realizes that her efforts are futile. Jim and Mag eventually marry and they have two children: Frado and an unknown son.

Later on, Jim grows ill, and dies. Mag is once again left by herself, only this time she has two children to care for. Mag marries Seth, one of Jim’s business partners, and he takes the family under his wing. Eventually Mag and Seth realize that they cannot care for both of the children and he suggests they send Frado to live with the Bellmonts. Mag refuses at first, but reluctantly agrees with Seth and the decision is made to send Frado to live with them. Frado is then dropped off at the house under the guise that Mag will be back to pick her up later in the day.

After a few years, the Bellmonts along with Frado come to the realization that Mag never intended on returning. We receive a description of Mr. Bellmont that he is kind and humane, however Mrs. Bellmont on the other hand is the complete opposite. The Bellmonts also have four children, two boys and two girls. The family decides whether or not to keep Frado and if they do, where should sleep. Frado is sent to live in a separate part of the house that she will soon outgrow. Mrs. Bellmont calls for Frado early in the morning and puts her to work washing dishes, preparing food, etc.

Life with the Bellmonts
Mr. Bellmont is humble towards Frado. Jack is accepting Frado since her skin complexion is not very dark. Mary is against Frado's presence and wants her to go the County House instead. Mrs. Bellmont is not happy with Frado's existence in the house but manages to find ways to make her useful by serving as a perfect work girl. Frado lives in a new room unfinished chamber over the kitchen. A year passed and Frado accepted that she is part of the Bellmont family. Jack buys Frado a dog named Fido, who becomes her friend and eases her loneliness.

Later on, Frado is allowed to attend school with Mary. One afternoon on their way home, Mary tries to force Frado into the water but falls into it instead. Later that day, Mary runs home to tell her mother that Frado pushed her into the stream. Frado receives a good whipping from Mrs. Bellmont and Jack futilely tries to defend Frado.

Nig runs away and Mr. Bellmont, Jack and James search for her. She asks James that if God made him, Aunt Abby, and Mrs. Bellmont white, then she dislikes God for making her black.

The first day of spring a letter arrives from James about his declining health. Jack comes to visit the family. Mrs. Bellmont beat Frado senseless and mentioned if she ever exposes her to James she would “cut her tongue out”.

By November James' health starts to deteriorate further. Mary leaves home to nurse her brother, Jake. James requests Frado to stay by his bed side until further notice. Mrs. Bellmont discovers Frado reading the bible. Mrs. Bellmont speaks to her husband about Frado going to the evening meetings.

In the following spring, James passes away.

Illness and Sorrow
After James’ death, Frado once again conflicts with her unfitness to be in Heaven, and seeks Aunt Abbey’s aid. Aunt Abbey teaches Frado about God and the Bible, invites her to a church meeting, and encourages her to believe in Him and seek the passage of Heaven.

When Mr. Bellmont grows concerned for Frado’s health from her beatings, Frado one day takes him advice. Before Mrs. Bellmont would strike her down with a stick for taking too long to bring firewood, Frado threatens to stop working for her if she did. Mrs. Bellmont unexpectedly relents. From there after, she whips her less frequently.

News arrives that Mary dies from illness. Frado considers escaping, but realizes the lack of choices in which to take. She decides to wait until her contract was over at the age of eighteen. Overtime, Jane leaves the house, and Jack moves back in, introducing his family to his wife, whom Mrs. Bellmont verbally abused due to the fact that she was poor.

When Frado turns eighteen, she is arranged to make clothes for the Moores family. Due to her ailing health, she slowly becomes unable to work. She moves to a shelter where two elderly women take care of her for two years. For a while, she is nursed again by Mrs. Moore, but after her husband leaves, Frado is forced again to find work. She eventually is employed by a poor woman in Massachusetts who instructs her on making bonnets.

Aftermath
Though growing feebler, and declining in health, Frado makes substantial wages. During the winter, her health fails miserably, leaving Mrs. Hale to comfort and care for her. Frado is also cared for by a family physician. Aunt Abby, and even Mr. Bellmont visit her.

Despite three years of failing health, Frado improves her sewing skills. Mrs. Hoggs is astounded that Frado is able to work while being ill, and accuses her of faking her sickness. Frado is forced to leave the bed and consequently becomes iller for two weeks. Frado recovers little by little with the help of Mrs. Moore.

A few years later after moving to Singleton, she marries a fugitive slave named Samuel and they have a baby boy. Her husband passes of yellow fever and leaves her to depend on herself.

In the end, Mr. And Mrs. Bellmont, Aunt Abbey, Jack and his wife, and Jane, Henry, Susan and her child are all old. No one remembers Frado even though she remembers them.