Clotel · Chapter
XIX: Escape of Clotel explained
This chapter recounts several daring escapes of fugitive slaves, including a man who drove a pig for fifty miles to the Ohio River, two slaves who used a 'ride and tie' method, and a slave who drugged his captors and escaped in their clothe
What happens
This chapter recounts several daring escapes of fugitive slaves, including a man who drove a pig for fifty miles to the Ohio River, two slaves who used a 'ride and tie' method, and a slave who drugged his captors and escaped in their clothes. The narrative then focuses on Clotel, who, with the help of a fellow slave named William, disguises herself as a gentleman and escapes by steamboat to Cincinnati and then to Canada. The chapter also highlights the prejudice faced by free blacks in the North, as William is forced to ride in a luggage van and pays only thirty-seven cents for his fare.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Resistance
The chapter highlights the ingenuity and bravery of fugitive slaves, including Clotel's disguise as a gentleman and William's selfless gift of his savings, as well as the clever escapes of other slaves.
Dehumanization and Commodification
Slaves are treated as property, as seen in the slave catchers' pursuit of rewards and the conductor's attempt to charge William based on weight like luggage.
Color Prejudice and Caste
William faces discrimination on the train, being forced into the luggage van and charged a reduced fare, illustrating the pervasive prejudice against blacks even in free states.
Characters to notice
- Clotel
Clotel, sold to Mr. French in Vicksburg, is treated with respectful gentleness by her new master but remains steadfast in her refusal to accept his advances. She plans and executes an escape disguised as a gentleman, with William's help.
- William Wells Brown
William, a fellow slave who hires his own time, gives Clotel his savings of $150 to fund her escape. He assists her in the escape plan and later faces discrimination on a train, paying only thirty-seven cents for his ride in the luggage van.
- Mrs. French
Mr. French is Clotel's new master in Vicksburg, who tries to win her favor with flattery and presents but is ultimately unsuccessful.
Key passages
“The fetters galled my weary soul— A soul that seemed but thrown away; I spurned the tyrant’s base control, Resolved at least the man to play.”
The chains hurt my tired spirit, a spirit that felt wasted; I rejected the cruel master's control, determined to act like a free man.
Opening epigraph sets the theme of resistance and the desire for freedom.
“If she can get free with a little money, why not give her what I have?”
If she can achieve freedom with some money, why shouldn't I give her my savings?
William's selfless decision to give Clotel his $150 savings to fund her escape.
“I will assume the disguise of a gentleman and you that of a servant, and we will take passage on a steamboat and go to Cincinnati, and thence to Canada.”
I will dress as a white gentleman and you as my servant, and we will travel by steamboat to Cincinnati and then to Canada.
Clotel's plan for their escape, using her light skin to pass as white.
“I weigh just one hundred and fifty pounds, and will pay you three eighths of a dollar.”
I weigh 150 pounds, so I will pay you 37.5 cents for my ride as luggage.
William's clever negotiation with the conductor, paying the freight rate for his own body.