Compared to Dr. Flint, Mr. Sands appears to be a man who truly cares for Linda and does his best to protect her and her children. Although Linda offers no details concerning their liaison, the text implies that Mr. Sands is kind to her and that he protects her from […]
Read more Character Analysis Mr. SandsCharacter Analysis Uncle Benjamin
Because of their closeness in age, Linda thinks of Uncle Benjamin as more of a brother than an uncle. Therefore, his experiences touch her deeply, and Uncle Benjamin holds a special place in her heart, as illustrated by the fact that she names her son Ben. Having been sold at […]
Read more Character Analysis Uncle BenjaminCharacter Analysis Mrs. Flint
Mrs. Flint, Dr. Flint’s second wife, is much younger than her husband. She is naive and insecure, and she lacks the emotional maturity to deal with her husband’s lascivious behavior. Even though she realizes that Linda is a victim of her husband’s lust, she turns her wrath on Linda rather […]
Read more Character Analysis Mrs. FlintCharacter Analysis Dr. Flint
Dr. Flint is a manipulative, amoral old man who enjoys wielding control over others. He has complete control over Linda, who is 40 years younger than he is, but this is not enough for him. He tries to force Linda to surrender mentally and emotionally to his domination. Although he […]
Read more Character Analysis Dr. FlintCharacter Analysis William
William does everything in his power to help Linda and her children. He is always there to support and comfort her. It is William who watches over Ben and Ellen when they are thrown into jail, and it is William who encourages Linda to escape. After William escapes from Mr. […]
Read more Character Analysis WilliamCharacter Analysis Aunt Martha
Aunt Martha is the stabilizing force in Linda’s life. She also models many of the qualities that enable Linda to escape her bondage. A free woman and entrepreneur, Aunt Martha starts a bakery to earn money to buy her children’s freedom. As a devout Christian with strong religious principles of […]
Read more Character Analysis Aunt MarthaCharacter Analysis Linda Brent
As her unrelenting determination to free herself and her children indicates, Linda Brent is the epitome of the “strong black woman” who — against all odds — manages not only to survive but also to transcend seemingly insurmountable barriers. Although she does not exhibit exceptional physical strength, she does exhibit […]
Read more Character Analysis Linda BrentSummary and Analysis Chapter 41
Summary Linda receives several letters from her grandmother, one of which informs her that Dr. Flint is dead. Although somewhat relieved at the news, Linda realizes that she is still in danger from Dr. Flint’s family. Shortly thereafter, Linda happens across a newspaper article announcing the arrival of Mr. and […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 41Summary and Analysis Chapter 40
Summary Disappointed by the failure of his business venture, William moves to California, taking Ben with him. Ellen continues to do well in school and when her teachers discover that she is the daughter of a fugitive slave, they do their best to protect her. Alone and unemployed once more, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 40Summary and Analysis Chapter 39
Summary Linda has lived in Boston for two years, and her brother, William, offers to send Ellen to boarding school. Although she is reluctant to part with her daughter, Linda eventually agrees that this would be in her daughter’s best interest. The night before Ellen is scheduled to leave, Linda […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 39