(An American short story written in 1944.)
             One of the themes of this story is the past, which can occur as a burden to each individual. Depending on the events whether they are positive or negative. People take in experiences and use them to their advantage or disadvantage, like in this case.
             Uncle Jimbilly was born in slavery and the title of this short story is very relevant because it describes his position in the story and in society. He could only observe what happened because his social position did not permit him to take actions or make a move. If he did, he would probably not achieve any results. The title indicates that he was a witness and that he could not prevent what happened during slavery.
             He was a witness, which seem to have affected his life. When people are exposed to such events/situations where people have been tortured, they might not be able to function properly. The past has effects on Uncle Jimbilly‘s physical and mental well-being. He has lost his patience when it comes to questions about the past. "His hands are closed and stiff" (line 3 p.1) and that indicates that he is a very old man and has been through a harsh time in the past but he still knows how to use his hands. He is a handyman, "he built fences and chicken coops and barn doors" (line 7 p. 1) In the past he was frequently confronted with horrible situations and people like Uncle Jimbilly who have been directly involved or in close proximity to witnessing a torture, have a very accurate memory of these events for the rest of their lives.
             In retrospect you cannot imagine the painful things that he has experienced. Those years have completely changed his life. Uncle Jimbilly is able to recollect the events that took place every second. He reminds the children how slaves were treated. The children think that since slavery is abolished that Uncle Jimbilly is able to forget it all but
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