Read this excerpt from “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.” Again and again I had [traveled] those dreary twelve miles to an
d from the town; and all the way, I was meditating upon some means of escape for myself and made every effort to [ . . . bring about] our purchase, but all their plans had [failed]. Dr. Flint was suspicious and determined not to loosen his grasp upon us. I could have made my escape alone; but it was more for my helpless children than for myself that I longed for freedom. Although [freedom] would have been precious to me, above all price, I would not have taken it at the expense of leaving them in slavery. Every trial I endured, every sacrifice I made for their sakes, drew them closer to my heart, and gave me fresh courage to beat back the dark waves that rolled and rolled over me in a seemingly endless night of storms. . . . The excerpt helps readers understand that Harriet Jacobs felt anxious and determined. suspicious and confused. lighthearted and carefree. helpless and frightened.
