Honesty

Throughout the book Jacobs has established her credibility using her very honest personal stories. Her personal experience draws the reader in and is able to show the corrupt power that slavery is.

On page 114, chapter 27, Jacob states, “I was too proud to ask Mr. Sands to do any thing for my own benefit; but I could bring myself to become a supplicant for my children. I resolved to remind him of the promise he had made to me, and to throw myself upon his honor for the performance of it….Tell him I was not dead, and I earnestly entreated him to keep the promise he had made me.”

In this passage Jacobs establishes her credibility by being honest with herself as well as her actions. Jacob’s main character Linda, had an affair with Mr. Sands, but she may not actually trust the man. In this passage, even though she has doubted his honesty, she was being honest with herself. Her children were more important to her then her own ambitions and happiness. Therefore, as much as freedom means to Linda she is honest when she expresses the love that she has for her children to entrust Mr. Sands with a promise.