Frame for Introduction:
Elizabeth Keckley was a remarkable woman who rose from slavery to become a successful seamstress and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln. She wrote her memoir, Behind the Scenes, or, Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House for two important and connected reasons. Keckley used her memoir to convey the complexity of her emotions towards both slavery and Mrs. Lincoln to cause the reader to feel empathy and understanding.
Frame for Body:
Because Keckley wanted her readers to understand both her strong feelings about the need to end slavery and how much she felt that Abraham Lincoln had been the man who accomplished this important milestone, she used her memoir to express her true feelings about slavery. In her memoir, she stated, "I had been made to suffer so much, I cared but little what became of me. But for my people, for my children, I was willing to give my life." This quote illustrates Keckley's deep commitment to the abolition of slavery, not just for herself but for her community. Because of these strong feelings about ending slavery for herself and all other enslaved people, she was extremely loyal to the Lincoln family once she got to know them. In her memoir, she states, "Many a time when others condemned Mrs. Lincoln, and spoke harshly of her, have I battled in her defense." This quote demonstrates Keckley's unwavering loyalty and support for Mrs. Lincoln, despite criticisms from others. It proves the claim statement by showing Keckley's dedication to defending Mrs. Lincoln because of her genuine affection for her and her belief in her goodness.
Conclusion Paragraph Frame:
Elizabeth Keckley's memoir helped her readers to feel empathy and understanding about slavery. She also influenced her readers to feel compassion and respect for Mrs. Lincoln. As a result, readers gained a new perspective and better understanding of the complexities of both slavery and the relationship between Keckley and Mrs. Lincoln.
