Chapter 5, The Trials of Girlhood Summary and Analysis

This is the chapter in which the author first discusses, in some depth, the theme of sexual slavery. Linda recounts how, when she reached the age of fifteen, her master began to make advances toward her—at first by merely whispering obscene comments into her ear and later by threatening her with physical injury.

Linda asserts that masters like Dr. Fling are the rule rather than the exception, and that sexual abuse of young female slaves is commonplace. Since the slave is the property of the master and subject to his authority in all matters, such sexual exploitation is legally sanctioned and acknowledged by society with some degree of approval.

Here the writer demonstrates how any slave, even the best-fed, best-clothed slaves who live in comfortable homes, are none-the-less humiliated and degraded...