After the end of the American Civil War, when the institution of slavery collapsed and a tragic era began, former slaves responded to the 13th Amendment by seeking new economic opportunities. Many plantation owners demanded the return of their former slaves. One of these former slaves, Jourdan Anderson, responded to his former master's request with a satirical response. The former slaves learned to communicate with each other through clever forms of misdirection to hide their true feelings. His letter provides a written representation of this tale. Behind his witty tone lies his stance on freedom, exploitation and a look at Anderson's character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayP.H. Anderson offered his former slave, Jourdon Anderson, a job to return to his plantation in exchange for money, food, clothing, and shelter; but Anderson not only refused the assignment but asked his former master to return his due wages to rebuild a positive opinion of his former master (“Letter from a freedman to his old master”). Anderson reveals the anger behind his enslavement to his former master's request, which proved that the South had never truly surrendered from the war. The ratification of the 13th Amendment led to conflicting views on the definition of freedom. Many African Americans viewed freedom as equality before the law. Many whites, however, preferred to define African American freedom as freedom from servitude. Anderson describes this in his letter: “As to my freedom, which you say I may have, there is nothing to be gained on this point…” (p.2). After the emancipation of slavery, many whites continued to believe they could exert control over former slaves. In their view, the social hierarchy had not changed. Many African Americans continued to be treated as slaves, but were instead made freedmen. Many whites preferred to believe that the 13th Amendment was meaningless. Anderson addresses this point by subtly stating that his former master does not grant him freedom, but the US government does. Anderson then addresses the wages for which he and his wife should be compensated, "minus their clothes and the three doctor's visits they had." ” (p.2). He incorporates this ironically to highlight the negligible care they have received, they have been degraded and humiliated. Anderson recognizes that he will never be compensated, his purpose in demanding compensation is to highlight that he too is human. The style of elegant and hospitable life of the old South was to the detriment of African Americans. In addition to the floggings suffered by underperforming slaves, many women, especially adolescents, were sexually exploited. Rape, violence, and brutality were the norm in the old South. starve and die... rather than have my girls disgraced by the violence and wickedness of their young masters" (p.2). Although she criticizes her former master's actions, she speaks of him in a principled, which shows character. He intelligently recognizes that he is the bigger person and therefore exerts power over his former master. Keep in mind: this is just one example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom EssayJourdan Anderson is able to write this letter with a satirical tone due to his experience in masking his feelings as a slave. Although he does not use harsh language towards his former master, he strongly condemns his brutality. Anderson's ability to freely express his thoughts can be credited to the 13th Amendment. His.