Southern Reconstruction and the Rhetoric of Enlightened Paternalism in Rebecca Harding Davis's Waiting for the Verdict.

An essay is presented on the context of enlightened paternalism rhetoric and southern reconstruction in the book "Waiting for the Verdict" by Rebecca Harding Davis in line to racism in the U.S. It examines the text of the book and alliance of Davis with the advocacy of African American vocational training. The author also highlights the book's racial exploitation.