A Responsible Journey explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Quest for Freedom

  Henson and his group are tempted by freedom at every stop along the Ohio River, especially in Cincinnati, where free blacks urge them to stay.

• Moral Hypocrisy

  Henson's internal conflict between his promise to his master and the desire for freedom highlights the moral contradictions of slavery, where obedience is praised but freedom is a sin.

• Resilience and Survival

  Henson successfully leads a group of eighteen slaves and his own family on a thousand-mile journey in winter, demonstrating remarkable endurance and resourcefulness.

• Community and Leadership

  Henson's authority and the trust of the enslaved people under him are crucial to the journey's success; he is described as a 'captain' and his pride is tied to his responsibility.

Characters to notice

• Josiah Henson

  Narrator and leader of the journey; marries, takes on the responsibility of transporting slaves to Kentucky, struggles with the temptation to escape to freedom.

• Isaac Riley

  Josiah's master, ruined by a lawsuit and drink; begs Josiah to save his slaves by taking them to Kentucky.

• Charlotte

  Josiah's wife, who accompanies him on the journey with their two children.

• Amos Riley

  Isaac Riley's brother in Kentucky, the intended recipient of the slaves.

• Mr. Francis Newman

  Isaac Riley's younger brother-in-law, who complains about the meager household provisions and becomes Josiah's friend.

Key passages

• “What a smart nigger! ... Will your master sell you? Come in and stop with us.”

  People often praised Henson as a clever slave and asked if his master would sell him, inviting him to join them.

  Reflects the dehumanizing language and commodification of enslaved people, as well as Henson's pride in being recognized.

• “I had never dreamed of running away. I had a sentiment of honor on the subject. The duties of the slave to his master as appointed over him in the Lord, I had ever heard urged by ministers and religious men. It seemed like outright stealing.”

  Henson had never considered escape because he felt a moral and religious obligation to obey his master, viewing running away as theft.

  Illustrates the powerful influence of religious teachings on enslaved people's sense of duty and the internal conflict between freedom and honor.

• “Often since that day has my soul been pierced with bitter anguish at the thought of having been thus instrumental in consigning to the infernal bondage of slavery so many of my fellow-beings.”

  Henson later felt deep regret for leading his fellow slaves back into slavery instead of escaping to freedom.

  Highlights Henson's long-term remorse and the moral weight of his decision, which he considers a grave sin.