LIFE IN THE MANOR

     

     On the plantation, there is usually a home located in the center of surrounding buildings called a “big house.” It is usually a mansion on a large estate that “instantly conveys an image of greatness, authority and success with their impressive façade, gardens and formal white columns”.  The main living quarters are usually surrounded by numerous buildings, each with their own special purpose. The buildings closest to the house were usually the kitchen, the store house and sometimes a smokehouse. Other buildings that surround the main quarters vary depending on the type of crops raised on the plantation. For example, if sugar is raised on the plantation, a refinery is built to hold the sugar. Then, of course, the living quarters of the slaves, which consisted of small living quarters arranged in a small town type setting.

     The main home was built for the master of the plantation, his wife, children and some of his slaves.  The master had the authority to do as he pleased without answering to anyone. He dominated over the wife who was considered virtuous, obedient, and completely dependent on the husband. The wife was expected to be graceful and delicate, refined and charming. This was not always an easy role for a woman to play.  The wife’s role was to manage the care of her children. Most children in the mansion attended their own private boarding schools, were taught to read and right and studied art.  The wife was also responsible for managing the slaves that worked in the home. Her role was to assign tasks, oversee their work and punish them when she found fault in their work.

     It is evident by the duties and responsibilities given to the wife of the manor, women did not live a leisure life. While the husband could come and go from the plantation whenever he pleased, the wife was given the task of maintaining a well-organized home.  (Peggy R.)  (Next section:  Women on the Plantation)