Trouble Don't Last

Throughout the novel, images of flying, birds, and the sky symbolize the much-sought concept of freedom. When convincing Samuel to run away with him, for example, Harrison claims that Black people can fly in the free sky. This is not literally true, but it does metaphorically imply that they will be able to embrace a life of freedom beyond the United States. As they journey on, Harrison and Samuel are frequently compared to birds to further emphasize this symbolism. Additionally, bird calls are used to communicate with members of the Underground Railroad. This symbolism suggests that people escaping enslavement and those who aid them resemble birds flying in pursuit of freedom. However, Samuel is sometimes frustrated at the necessity of hiding, and he envies the actual birds, who are free to fly around and sing without fear of persecution. This complicates the notion of “freedom” and suggests that although he and Harrison are free of the Hacklers, they are not really “free” until they can reach a place that does not carry the risk of being recaptured and enslaved once again.

Similarly, the

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