Friday, November 16, 2007

End of Incidents

Linda finally achieves her freedom in the way that she probably likes least of all. I think she probably would have managed being a fugitive for the rest of her life, but instead she is given her freedom. Not by Dr. Flint, or his daughter, or any of the Flints. Instead she is bought by the new Mrs. Bruce. While she is happy that she is free once and for all. There is definitely some bitterness.
After all her struggles against the institution of slavery, that institution is what gives her freedom. There is certainly something ironic about how it all happens. I think one of the most powerful passages in the closing chapters of the book is when Linda mentions that for her freedom there is an actual bill of sale.
Throughout the book there are countless examples of Linda’s amazing humanity. Her feelings for her friends and family all set her above the slave owners. However, this is completely disregarded and even in the end she is treated as nothing more than another piece of chattel.

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