The Evils of Slavery

The institution of slavery is at the heart of this story and drives the interactions of almost all the characters in one way or another. Frances has always known about slavery but in a distant way. when she comes face-to-face with the real people impacted by slavery - those brought to her house as slaves captured and bought with her own money - she suddenly sees slavery for what it can be. However, Frances' life and the lives of all those she knows, is also positively impacted by the slave trade. When Dr. Stuart Hadley confronts her about her ill treatment of the little boy who dies, Frances doesn't have to defend herself because Stuart admits that he has also benefited by the trade, just not as directly as Frances. An interesting aspect of this story is that even when Frances falls in love with...