56 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
434
Novel • Fiction
Virginia • 1830s
1967
Adult
18+ years
The Confessions of Nat Turner by William Styron is a historical fiction novel that recounts the story of Nat Turner, an African American slave and religious leader, who led a two-day slave rebellion in 1831 Virginia resulting in the deaths of approximately 55 white individuals. Told from Turner's first-person perspective while he awaits execution in prison, the narrative delves into his life experiences, ideological motivations, and internal struggles, interwoven with reflections and imaginings that challenge the testimony presented by his lawyer, Thomas Gray. The book addresses themes of racial violence and trauma.
Dark
Mysterious
Contemplative
Challenging
Unnerving
16,073 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
William Styron's The Confessions of Nat Turner explores the controversial historical figure of Nat Turner with evocative prose and in-depth character analysis. Praised for literary merit and narrative complexity, it faces criticism for historical inaccuracies and racial misrepresentation. It remains a polarizing but significant literary work.
Readers who would enjoy The Confessions of Nat Turner by William Styron typically appreciate historical fiction with deep psychological insights. Comparable to those who favor Beloved by Toni Morrison or Roots by Alex Haley, such readers are drawn to complex portrayals of American history and nuanced character studies.
16,073 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hark
Nat’s fellow laborer and ally in his rebellion plan, who harbors internal anger due to the separation from his family. Hark is strong and complex, balancing humor and resilience.
Jonathan Cobb
A man spared by Nat in his rebellion, whose unexpected connection with Nat arises from their unique and secretive exchange on a farm.
Thomas Gray
A white man involved in Nat's trial, who simultaneously supports and undermines him while symbolizing the complex legal challenges faced during the rebellion.
Margaret Whitehead
The young and progressive daughter of a local preacher, whom Nat has an affectionate yet tragic bond with.
Joseph Travis
Nat’s last master, noted for his benevolent treatment and trust, who unwittingly allows Nat time to plan his mission.
Samuel Turner
A progressive master who supports Nat’s education but eventually loses Nat’s respect due to his personal failings.
Emmeline Turner
A relative of Samuel Turner, who captivates a young Nat before a traumatic event alters his perception of her.
Benjamin Turner
Samuel’s less humane, irreligious brother and the initial owner of Nat, whose death is only faintly remembered by Nat.
Henry
A deeply religious advisor to Nat in the rebellion, who harbors anger from past abuse despite having a generally kind master.
Nelson
Another of Nat’s advisors, known for his patience and calm demeanor but possessing an underlying fury from previous cruel treatment.
Sam
A young, strong advisor in Nat’s rebellion who is respected within the black community despite his own hard experiences.
Will
An advisor of Nat who contributes a frantic energy to the rebellion, his anger fueled by mistreatment and desire for revenge.
Lou-Ann Turner
Nat’s late mother, whose lineage and harsh life experiences deeply affect Nat.
Willis
An enslaved teenager close to Nat, with an ambiguous relationship that ends when he is sold.
Reverend Eppes
A minister who briefly takes Nat in after Samuel’s plan fails, yet mistreats him and eventually sells him.
Mr. Thomas Moore
A cruel small farmer who owns Nat for nine years, using his talents minimally until Nat becomes the property of Joseph Travis.
434
Novel • Fiction
Virginia • 1830s
1967
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.