In the Norton Anthology, page xxxv , Lucius C. Matlock argues that slavery is "the enemy of literature.

In the Norton Anthology, page xxxv , Lucius C. Matlock argues that slavery is "the enemy of literature." Yet the text points out Matlock later acknowledges "the soil of slavery itself" turned out as "fertile ground for the creation of a new literature, a literature indicting oppression, a literature created by the oppressed." Matlock declares, "From the soil of slavery itself have sprung forth some of the most brilliant productions, whose logical levers will ultimately upheave and overthrow the system."