Zina: the Slave Girl; or, Which the Traitor?: A Drama in Four Acts

"Zina: the Slave Girl; or, Which the Traitor?" by A. Thompson is a dramatic work written in the late 19th century. The play revolves around Zina, a young enslaved girl navigating her tragic circumstances while yearning for freedom and a better life. Other key characters include her master Keele Brightly, who is cruel and abusive, and Martelle D'Arneaux, who offers her a glimmer of hope. The opening of the drama introduces Zina as she interacts with D'Arneaux in the streets of Mobile. Despite her despair over the harsh treatment she receives from her master, Zina shows remarkable resilience and yearning for connection. D'Arneaux expresses a desire to purchase her freedom, particularly moved by her talent in music and her pure-heartedness. Their exchange highlights the brutality of slavery while also revealing Zina's humanity and hope for a better future. The tension mounts as D'Arneaux promises to help her escape, establishing the central conflict of the narrative as it progresses towards themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom against a backdrop of war and societal strife.