Clotel · Chapter
III: The Negro Chase explained
This chapter describes the brutal practice of hunting runaway slaves in the Natchez region, including the use of trained dogs, a detailed account of a slave chase through swamps and roads, and the horrific public execution by burning of a r
What happens
This chapter describes the brutal practice of hunting runaway slaves in the Natchez region, including the use of trained dogs, a detailed account of a slave chase through swamps and roads, and the horrific public execution by burning of a recaptured slave who resisted. It also includes advertisements for slave-catching services and a description of a hidden runaway den, all witnessed by Currer, who gains a grim impression of the cotton district.
Themes in this chapter
Dehumanization and Commodification
Slaves are hunted like animals with trained dogs, and their capture is priced in advertisements, reducing human beings to commodities.
Heroism and Resistance
The fugitives' desperate attempts to escape, including wading through swamps and climbing trees, demonstrate resistance against an oppressive system.
Corruption of Christianity
Ministers and magistrates use the public execution to preach obedience to slaves, twisting religious authority to uphold slavery.
Characters to notice
- Currer
Witnesses the execution of a slave at the stake and the slave hunt, forming a negative opinion of the Natchez region.
Key passages
“The body was taken and chained to a tree immediately on the banks of the Mississippi, on what is called Union Point. Faggots were then collected and piled around him, to which he appeared quite indifferent. When the work was completed, he was asked what he had to say. He then warned all to take example by him, and asked the prayers of all around; he then called for a drink of water, which was handed to him; he drank it, and said, 'Now set fire—I am ready to go in peace!'”
The captured slave was chained to a tree on the Mississippi bank, surrounded by kindling, and remained calm. He asked for water, drank it, and told the crowd to set the fire, declaring he was ready to die peacefully.
Illustrates the slave's composure and defiance in the face of a horrific death.
“The dogs will attack a negro at their master's bidding and cling to him as the bulldog will cling to a beast.”
The dogs are trained to attack a slave on command and hold on like a bulldog gripping an animal.
Highlights the dehumanizing treatment of enslaved people as prey.