The Importance of Family

The importance of family is a central theme of this story, made more important to the families that are torn apart when slaves are sold off. This is clearly seen when the slaves of Rosedew are about to be auctioned. As they are being "assessed" prior to the auction, the men and women are fearful and stand clustered in family groups. As they are forced to break up from these groups and line up, it's Suzette's father who explains repeatedly that they will be free to return to their families after the assessors have finished their work. The fear of being forced from their families seems to outweigh any personal fear of what kind of situation they'll be sold into. Another example of the importance of family is seen when Philomene first chooses the man she is to marry. Suzette is disappointed that the man...