The Happy Meeting explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Heroism and Resistance

  George Green's steadfast fidelity to Mary and his refusal to marry anyone else exemplifies personal resistance and heroic devotion.

• Dehumanization and Commodification

  The flashback to the slave market describes enslaved people being examined and sold like beasts of burden, underscoring their commodification.

Characters to notice

• Mr. Green

  George Green is the protagonist of this chapter, who is brought to a villa and reunited with his lost love, Mary.

• Mr. Devenant

  Mr. Devenant is the elderly gentleman who hosts George and facilitates the reunion with Mary.

• Mary

  Mary is the lady George loved; she is revealed to be alive and married to Mr. Devenant, and they reunite in this chapter.

Key passages

• “scarcely find fault with her for marrying Mr. Devenant. But the adherence of George Green to the resolution never to marry, unless to his Mary, is, indeed, a rare instance of the fidelity of man in the matter of love.”

  While Mary's marriage to Mr. Devenant is understandable, George Green's unwavering commitment to marry only Mary is a remarkable example of male fidelity in love.

  Highlights George's loyalty and the theme of enduring love.

• “We can but blush for our country’s shame when we recall to mind the fact, that while George and Mary Green, and numbers of other fugitives from American slavery, can receive protection from any of the governments of Europe, they cannot return to their native land without becoming slaves.”

  It is shameful that fugitives like George and Mary Green find refuge in Europe but cannot return to America without being re-enslaved.

  Critiques the hypocrisy of American democracy and the injustice of slavery.