Henry Louis Gates: The Bondwoman's Narrative

The transcript discusses the discovery and authentication of an autobiographical novel by Hannah Crafts, potentially the first novel by an African American slave. Henry Louis Gates Jr. recounts the journey of acquiring the manuscript and the research involved in verifying its authenticity. The narrative explores the literary style, themes, and potential authorship, highlighting the significance of the manuscript in African American history and literature.

Who discovered the manuscript believed to be written by Hannah Crafts?

• Henry Louis Gates Jr.

• WEB Du Bois

• Richard Newman

• Frederick Douglass

What was a significant challenge Henry Louis Gates Jr. faced during the authentication process?

• Unavailability of the manuscript

• Lack of funding

• Inability to travel due to health issues

• Opposition from the academic community

What literary style is prominent in Hannah Crafts' manuscript?

• Gothic romantic

• Modernist

• Postmodern

• Realist

Which character type does Hannah Crafts' protagonist represent?

• The tragic mulatto

• The noble savage

• The heroic slave

• The cunning trickster

What does the term 'black bourgeoisie' refer to in the context of the manuscript?

• A political movement

• A social class of educated and refined African Americans

• A religious sect

• A group of wealthy African Americans

What is one theory about the identity of Hannah Crafts?

• She was a famous author

• She might be Jane Johnson

• She was a well-known abolitionist

• She was a fictional character

What does the discovery of Hannah Crafts' manuscript suggest about African American literary history?

• It was well-documented

• It is still largely undiscovered

• It was primarily fictional

• It was mostly oral