Annette Gordon-Reed on the Jefferson-Hemmings Relationship | Big Think

TL;DR

Jefferson's perspective on sex and marriage was different from modern Evangelical notions. He viewed sex as healthy and natural and was primarily concerned with freeing the children of slaves. The relationship between Jefferson and Hemings was likely familiar and informal, and they may have had an attachment to each other.

Transcript

you know sex outside of marriage is a sin that would not have been his formulation of this um or sex with a person of A different race is a sin that's not that wouldn't be his formulation of this at all um people you know people were concerned about fornication and that would be sort of sex outside of marriage because of the children it would be pr... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫵 Jefferson's views on sex and marriage differed from modern Evangelical beliefs.
• 🥶 His primary concern was freeing the children of slaves and improving their lives.
• 👯 The relationship between Jefferson and Hemings was likely familiar and informal, influenced by their longstanding connection through other people.
• 🛟 Hemings may have had some attachment to Jefferson, as evidenced by her continued presence in his life and the sentimental items she kept.
• ❓ It's important to avoid imposing ideological assumptions on historical figures and consider the choices they may have had in their circumstances.
• 👯 Other enslaved people who were brought to France chose to stay and build a life for themselves without their masters. Hemings could have made the same choice.

Questions & Answers

Q: Did Jefferson believe in the concept of sin or punishment in the afterlife?

No, Jefferson did not believe in hell or punishment in the afterlife. He was more of a rationalist and materialist, focusing on the practical consequences of actions rather than religious notions of sin and punishment.

Q: How would Jefferson have viewed the role of sex in society during the 18th century?

Jefferson would have seen sex as a healthy and natural activity, rather than something sinful or impure. The 18th-century view was that sex was a necessary part of life and not something to be ashamed of.

Q: What was the nature of the relationship between Jefferson and Hemings?

The relationship between Jefferson and Hemings was likely familiar and informal. They had known each other for a long time through various connections, and Jefferson was described as easygoing and approachable by both his white daughters and enslaved people who knew him.

Q: What evidence suggests that there was an attachment between Jefferson and Hemings?

Jefferson's repeated actions of staying with Hemings for decades, even in the face of scandals, suggest that he was attached to her. Additionally, Hemings taking items belonging to Jefferson as momentos when she left Monticello could also indicate a sentimental attachment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jefferson did not view sex outside of marriage or with a person of a different race as sins, but rather as healthy and natural.

• His primary concern was freeing and improving the lives of the children of slaves.

• Jefferson and Hemings likely had a familiar and informal relationship, influenced by their longstanding connection through other people.