Sally Hemings (Masterplots II: African American Literature Series)
At a glance:
- Author: Barbara Chase
- First Published: 1979
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Historical realism
- Time of Work: 1787–1835
- Setting: Albemarle County, Virginia, and Paris, France
- Principal Characters: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, Nathan Langdon, James Hemings, Elizabeth Hemings, Martha Jefferson Randolph (Patsy)
- Genres: Long fiction, Historical fiction
- Subjects: Virginia, History, Family or family life, France or French people, Love or romance, Nineteenth century, Slavery or slaves, Interracial relationships, Paris, Eighteenth century, Politicians, Presidents
- Locales: Virginia, Paris, France
The Novel
Dedicated to “the enigma of the historical Sally Hemings,” Sally Hemings is a work of fiction about historical personages and events. In the historical record, Sally Hemings and her children appear as items of personal property in Thomas Jefferson’s inventories, and “Dusky Sally” appears as the object of salacious accusations in the writing of Jefferson’s political enemies. Chase-Riboud draws on history professor Fawn McKay Brodie’s 1974 biography, Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History, as well as on her own examination of source documents...
[The entire page is 2775 words long]
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