The Desire for Freedom

The desire for freedom is an overriding theme and the slaves who wrote these stories are each determined to find freedom, regardless of the cost. This can be seen clearly in the fact that slaves are brutally beaten if caught in a runaway attempt, yet many continue to take the chance. One of the best examples of this desire for freedom is seen in Harriet Jacobs' brother, William. William has been purchased by Harriett's lover and the father of her children, Mr. Sands. Mr. Sands is subsequently elected to Congress and takes William along with him. William has the opportunity to travel through many states and to see many things, and it's noted that Mr. Sands is not a cruel master. Despite the fact that William is treated well with enough to eat and has the promise of eventual freedom, he seizes an opportunity to...