Meaning: This quote reflects the profound gratitude and faith of the author, Harriet Jacobs, upon the birth of her child. Harriet Jacobs was an African American writer and abolitionist who lived during the 19th century. She is best known for her autobiography, "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl," which chronicles her experiences as a slave and her eventual escape to freedom. The quote captures the joy and relief that Jacobs felt when her baby was born prematurely but survived, which was a testament to her belief in the divine intervention of God.

The quote "When my babe was born, they said it was premature. It weighed only four pounds; but God let it live" conveys a sense of resilience and faith in the face of adversity. At the time when Jacobs lived, infant mortality rates were high, especially for premature infants. The fact that her baby, despite being born prematurely and weighing only four pounds, survived was nothing short of a miracle for her. In the context of her life as a former slave and a woman of color, the birth of her child and its survival held profound significance.

In the quote, Jacobs attributes the survival of her premature baby to the will of God. This reflects a common theme in African American literature and culture, where faith and spirituality played a central role in coping with the hardships of life. For Jacobs, the birth of her child was a symbol of hope and a source of strength in the midst of oppression and adversity.

Harriet Jacobs' life was marked by resilience and determination in the face of immense challenges. As a slave, she endured physical and sexual abuse, yet she found the courage to escape and eventually became an advocate for the abolition of slavery. Her experiences as a mother and a survivor are central themes in her writings, and the quote in question reflects the depth of her emotions and her unwavering faith in the midst of hardship.

Furthermore, the quote sheds light on the historical context of healthcare and childbirth during the 19th century. Premature birth was a precarious situation for both the infant and the mother, often leading to high mortality rates. In the absence of modern medical technology, the survival of a premature infant would have been seen as a remarkable and almost miraculous event. Jacobs' expression of gratitude for her child's survival underscores the fragility of life during that era and the significance of each new birth.

In conclusion, the quote by Harriet Jacobs captures the profound emotions of a mother celebrating the survival of her premature baby. It reflects the themes of faith, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Jacobs' words resonate with the universal experience of parenthood and the enduring hope that accompanies the birth of a child, making it a poignant and timeless expression of gratitude and faith.