Chapter 36:
The Hairbreadth Escape
Summary: In this chapter Linda learns that her whereabouts were revealed to Dr. Flint by Mrs. Hobbs' brother, Mr. Thorpe. She learned that he wrote a letter to Dr. Flint telling him about her location and saying that he would help him to retrieve his "property". Upon hearing this Linda returned home and informed Mrs. Bruce that she was a fugitive slave and of her predicament. Mrs. Bruce, contrary to what Linda initially thought, took no action against her, but actually made arrangements for her, William and Ellen to be transported to Boston. Once there, Ellen was reunited with Ben, her brother and Linda decided to stay there and share living expenses with a good friend of hers. During the winter time she helps to teach Ellen how to read and write so she could return back to school.
Importance: Although Dr. Flint could not find her on his own, the day when he would learn of her whereabouts finally came in this chapter. Linda's connections and associations however helped greatly in securing her escape once again.
Connection to Theme: Even though Linda's distrust of Mrs. Bruce turned out to be for nothing, there was someone else who she should have aimed her distrust towards; Mr. Thorpe. He saw her as not more than Dr. Flint's property. This mindset comes from the constant exposure to discrimination and the place the white people of that time held as being over the blacks.
No comments:
Post a Comment