Jefferson in Paris: James and Jefferson’s Character

By Nelson Calero

[1] The 1995 Jefferson in Paris introduced to the world something from our controversy that we have not had the privilege of owning: a physical manifestation of the Jefferson-Hemings relationship. For the first time, we see Sally Hemings come to life as a beautiful light-skinned black youth, and we see the body language that bounced between our two lovers. Another man brought to life in this film is James Hemings, brother of Sally Hemings. This character, although considered young and foolish, proves to be rather insightful and helps shed light on Jefferson’s character.

[2] During one particular scene in the movie (14:45 -- 16:50), James is commended for a job well done with his French cooking. His coworker invites him to the tavern for a drink, but James declines because of his lack of money. Two of his coworkers comment that he should be paid like all of the other workers because slavery does not exist in France. James nervously confronts Jefferson and, after some stuttering, states that he wants to get paid for working. Although normally an outrageous request from a slave, Jefferson takes a second and responds positively: "In present circumstances, your request is not unreasonable. I shall tell Monsieur Petit that on the first of each month, you are to receive 24 francs by the way of salary. You realize that this arrangement only holds good in Paris and that at Monticello we shall revert to our own system."

[3] As calmly and in as friendly and understanding of a tone as that, Jefferson agrees to pay James but states that once in America he is to return to unpaid labor. Jefferson has always been described as a man with a passion for politics, and this is evident in other parts of the film when he speaks and ponders about failures in French law. Although giving James pay for his services is a financial expense coming out of his pocket, he does not hesitate to do so. Jefferson, respecting the law of the land in which he resides, does not think twice about his decision to pay James. This respect for law and politics is again affirmed when he tells James that he must go back to unpaid labor at Monticello, because the law of America permits slavery at this time.

[4] Although his love and respect for politics is evident in this scene, we gain even more insight into Jefferson’s character through his actions and speech. As James approaches Jefferson, Jefferson is examining a new device that he can use to make accurate measurements back home at Monticello and is studying it intensively. He senses James’ discomfort and nervousness and even pokes fun at it by saying, “Wanting to say what? I like finished sentences.” James makes his nervous request, and Jefferson accepts it. While James is staring blankly at him in shock, Jefferson interjects with the stipulation that this paid labor can only happen in Paris. My fellow classmate Watson Sweat brings up an interesting point regarding this exchange: "To my surprise, James agrees to this stipulation himself without much resistance or second thought; is he blinded by the thought of making his own money, or just at having 'won' a confrontation with Jefferson? Or is it that he has become so used to being in his role of slave that he does not have much of a problem accepting he will once again be fully enslaved if it means he gets only a little freedom to explore the 'other side'?"

[5] The aforementioned blissful look gives Jefferson the power he needs to keep the young slave in his hands. Jefferson cunningly sees that James is excited at the small amount of freedom Jefferson has just granted him, which is already a victory in the eyes of James. Jefferson states his stipulation, and James accepts it, because he feels like he would not want to push his luck by asking his master for more. Jefferson probably knows that James will not decline his stated stipulation, and with this mind game he keeps his slave, makes him happy, and still abides by the French law that he respects. This slickness is shown later in the film during James’ and Sally’s visit to Jefferson’s room to discuss their freedom, where he yet again accepts the demands of James while weaving in his own stipulations that are easily accepted by the two slaves.

[6] Jefferson’s respect and wary nature shine in this scene, but we cannot forget to realize the character of the man. Both historians and members of Jefferson’s family have described him as one of the kindest slave masters in all of Virginia, and one who showed the utmost compassion to his slaves and his family. Although he uses his cunning to play with James’ emotions, you do not see him talk down to him in this scene or in any point in the movie. Right in the beginning of the confrontation with James, Jefferson sees him and instantly shares with him the excitement of finding a new, interesting tool as he would a friend. Jefferson manipulates James simply to keep him around because he genuinely cares about James and because he does not want to lose his human investment.

[7] The importance of small, seemingly unimportant scenes such as this one offer us a lot more than we initially think. The scene proves as an entry way into the hard-to-read personality of Jefferson, allowing a better insight into his actions towards others, specifically Sally Hemings. Jefferson’s respect and love of politics, for example, explains his stoicism when faced with explaining his love for Sally; Jefferson has to maintain his political image. His cunning explains how well he was able to keep such a controversy so secretive that today historians still find themselves debating it. And, finally, Jefferson’s character, which still keeps people shocked at the claims, explains why Sally Hemings decided to go back to Monticello for him while given the chance to be free in Paris.