The tradition of black autobiography has maintained "a position of priority" (Gates, 1) in the African American community for centuries, beginning with traditions of oral storytelling and continuing with more contemporary voices like Maya Angelou and bell hooks. These stories are unique and differ in important ways from white autobiographies, as the black writer has an obligation, as a “member of an oppressed social group,” to remember that his “self” is actually part of a “larger whole.” broad” or that his story must echo, emphasize, and exemplify the stories of other African American peoples (Butterfield, 3.) No story embodies this paradox better than The Confessions of Nat Turner, a monologue delivered by a slave describing his recent massacre of several slave owners and their families in 1831. Turner's story is both representative and divisive of the African American community, for while some of the opinions and ideals he expresses seem unanimous among slaves of the time, much of his language, background and general sentiments also demonstrate an overwhelming rejection of such unity. Although many scholars argue that black autobiography should be as much about community as self, Turner's sense of superiority combined with a propensity for authority and domination transform his autobiographically inclined confession into an individual-specific narrative rather than a accurate representation of beliefs. or desires of the larger slave community. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The elements of Turner's background along with his thirst for justice and involvement of other slaves in his rebellion demonstrate a sense of unity or similarity to the greater interests of the African American community. Turner and slaves around the world share extremely important experiences such as racism, oppression, and abuse by a white master, which makes their experience shared or common. In addition to this, the way Turner conducted his rebellion was somewhat inclusive. He notes that his rebellion was “the hand of retributive justice” at work, suggesting that his intentions were aligned with and intended to benefit the entire slave community (Turner, 20). Likewise, Turner's decision to involve the “four in whom (he) had the greatest confidence” in his rebellion further promotes a coalescence of motivations and ideas (Turner, 14). With these feelings and actions, Turner uses his power as the leader of the rebellion as a way to uphold the wishes of his community. While some of his ideals are representative of the slave community, Turner also intentionally differentiates himself from other African Americans by emphasizing his intelligence and divine connection with God. Turner speaks at length about his special abilities as a child and the praise he was constantly paid . He notes that his parents often reminded him that he was “destined for some great purpose… particularly among the negroes” (Turner, 7) and that he would “never be of any use to anyone as a slave” because of his “ restless , inquisitive mind” (Turner, 8). Furthermore, Turner even believed himself to be a prophet, as “the Lord had shown me things that had happened before I was born” (Turner, 7). illustrates the sense of superiority he felt towards other slaves even at such a young age. Furthermore, Turner recalls "the way (he) learned to read and write", noting that "he acquired it with the greatest ease" ( Turner, 8). In this way, he bears a striking resemblance to James,.