Clotel; or, The President’s Daughter follows Clotel and her family as they endure the brutal separations and hardships imposed by slavery, beginning with their sale after President Thomas Jefferson's rumored affair with their mother, Sally Hemings. The narrative explores the devastating impacts of slavery, including family separation, sexual exploitation, and social and legal injustices, while critiquing the moral contradictions of a society that claims to value freedom and equality.

William Wells Brown's Clotel receives praise for its historical significance and exploration of race and identity, highlighting its pioneering role as the first novel published by an African American. However, some critique its melodramatic plot and uneven character development. Overall, it remains a vital read for its cultural and historical import.

A reader who enjoys Clotel by William Wells Brown would likely be interested in African American literature, historical fiction, and narratives that explore themes of slavery and racial injustice. Fans of Beloved by Toni Morrison or Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe will find this poignant and groundbreaking novel compelling.

Dark / Mysterious / Challenging / Melancholic / Contemplative

- Clotel by William Wells Brown is often credited as the first novel published by an African American; it was released in London in 1853 while Brown was living in Europe.
- Although Brown's novel was initially published in Europe, it was not published in the United States until 1864 under the title Clotelle: A Tale of the Southern States.
- The novel draws inspiration from the rumored relationship between Thomas Jefferson and his enslaved woman, Sally Hemings, which was a provocative topic during Brown's time.

**Clotel**  
The daughter of Currer and Thomas Jefferson, Clotel is a light-skinned young woman who experiences the harsh realities of slavery and attempts to escape its bonds.

**Currer**  
Mother of Clotel and Althesa, Currer is a mulatto woman who works as a housekeeper and defies laws to educate her daughters, hoping for a better future for them.

**Althesa**  
The younger daughter of Currer, Althesa is purchased by a northern man, whom she marries, and seeks to reunite with her separated family.

**Mr. Peck**  
A Christian slave owner and pastor living in Mississippi, Mr. Peck uses biblical justifications to defend slavery and struggles with his daughter Georgiana's abolitionist tendencies.

**Horatio Green**  
A wealthy young man who falls in love with Clotel and initially buys her, Horatio struggles with societal pressures and personal weakness.

**Georgiana Peck**  
The abolitionist daughter of Mr. Peck, Georgiana is educated in the North and challenges her father's pro-slavery beliefs through her actions and influence.

**Miles Carlton**  
Initially a skeptic of religion, Carlton becomes influenced by Georgiana to embrace Christianity and opposes slavery, ultimately contributing to the freedom of slaves.

**Henry Morton**  
A doctor from Vermont who marries Althesa, Henry is an abolitionist who never owns slaves and seeks to protect his family from the bonds of slavery.

**Mary**  
The beautiful daughter of Clotel and Horatio, Mary navigates the complexities of her heritage and relationships as she seeks freedom.

William Wells Brown

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Preface-Chapter 3

Clotel Preface-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Clotel Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

Clotel Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

Clotel Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

Clotel Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-18

Clotel Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19- 21

Clotel Chapters 19- 21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-25

Clotel Chapters 22-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-29

Clotel Chapters 26-29 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Clotel Character Analysis

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Clotel

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