Summary Upon returning home to Boston, Linda learns that Ben has left on a whaling voyage to escape the abuse of his fellow apprentices, who have discovered that he is “colored.” Heartbroken, Linda chides herself for having left her children alone for so long, but reminds herself that it was […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 38Summary and Analysis Chapter 37
Summary Linda is saddened to learn that Mrs. Bruce has died. When Mr. Bruce asks her to accompany him to England as Mary’s nurse so that his daughter can visit her mother’s relatives, she accepts. After arranging for her children’s care, Linda goes to New York to meet Mr. Bruce […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 37Summary and Analysis Chapter 36
Summary During a visit with Ellen, Linda learns that Mrs. Hobbs’ brother, Mr. Thorpe, has written a letter to Dr. Flint, informing him of Linda’s whereabouts and offering to help him regain his “property.” Upon returning home, Linda tells Mrs. Bruce about her predicament and confesses that she is a […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 36Summary and Analysis Chapter 35
Summary Linda, as Mary’s nurse, goes to Albany with Mr. and Mrs. Bruce aboard a steamboat. While on board, she is insulted by a black waiter who refuses to serve her. Upon returning to New York, Linda goes to Brooklyn to visit Ellen, whom she meets on her way to […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 35Summary and Analysis Chapter 34
Summary Linda receives a letter urging her to come “home,” purportedly written by Emily Flint’s brother. She recognizes the letter as being from Dr. Flint. She does not respond, and soon thereafter receives another letter from a friend, informing her of Dr. Flint’s plans to visit the North. Determined to […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 34Summary and Analysis Chapter 33
Summary Linda searches for work, but finds job hunting difficult, because potential employers require recommendations that she, as a fugitive, is unable to provide. Finally she meets Mrs. Bruce, a kindly English woman, who hires her as a nurse for her baby, Mary. Mrs. Bruce is a “true and sympathizing […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 33Summary and Analysis Chapter 32
Summary Linda reunites with her daughter Ellen, who has been living and working in New York with Mrs. Hobbs, a cousin of Mr. Sands. Overjoyed at seeing her daughter, Linda is dismayed to discover that Ellen has been neglected. Despite Mr. Sands’ promise that Ellen would be sent to school, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 32Summary and Analysis Chapter 31
Summary Upon arriving in Philadelphia, the ship’s captain introduces Fanny and Linda to Rev. Jeremiah Durham, a kind man who invites Linda to stay with him and his wife, and finds a place for Fanny with one of his friends. After Linda spends five days with Rev. and Mrs. Durham, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 31Summary and Analysis Chapter 30
Summary With the help of Peter and Phillip, Linda and Fanny are smuggled aboard a ship headed for Philadelphia. Although the ship’s captain treats the women with kindness and respect, Linda is afraid to trust him, fearful that at any moment he might betray them and turn them in for […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 30Summary and Analysis Chapter 26-29
Summary Linda receives several letters from her brother, William, who has gone to Washington with his master, Mr. Sands. Suddenly, the letters stop, and Linda learns that William has escaped. Initially, she fears for her children, thinking that Mr. Sands might decide to sell them to make up for his […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 26-29