Chapter 34:
The Old Enemy Again
Summary: Dr. Flint again tried to persuade Linda to return to the south, but this time disguised his writings to her as if they came from his son. He wrote to her urging her to return "home" and that she would be treated like she always has been treated: "like family". Knowing then that it was a trick, she ignored it and didn't respond, but learned that he was returning to New York in search of her. She informed Mrs. Bruce that she needed to attend to urgent business in Boston and left right away in an effort to avoid him. While there she had her grandmother send Ben to Boston rather than their prearranged New York. She is reunited with him there and after Dr. Flint leaves New York she returns, leaving Ben with William.
Importance: This chapter showcased Dr. Flint's extremely persistent nature. He still never gave up trying to get her back and even tried disguising his writing as his young son's to try to persuade her to return to them. Once he found that that method had failed he decided not to give up again. Although other attempts in the past had failed, he once again returned to New York in search of her, returning home like all of the other hands empty handed.
Connection to Theme: Dr. Flint thought that if he could convince her that the way she was treated was the best form of treatment a slave could receive, she would instantly feel the need to return to them. In his mind deception was the best weapon against slaves as well as psychological abuse. If he could get her to believe that her life wasn't as bad as how it really was he could have control over her, which was his ultimate goal.
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