# The Dying Fugitive explained — Poetry > Chapter companion for Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. ## What happens A fugitive slave, having escaped bondage and come within reach of freedom, succumbs to death. Initially maddened by the thought of being recaptured, he finds peace and dies calmly, grateful to have come so close to liberty before his spirit ascends to God. ## Themes in this chapter ### Freedom and Liberation The fugitive's desperate flight and his gratitude for nearing freedom, even in death, underscore the central theme of liberation. ### Resilience and Sacrifice The fugitive endures mental anguish and physical decline, ultimately sacrificing his life in the pursuit of liberty. ## Character check-ins ### Unknown Narrator The narrator describes the dying fugitive's final moments and inner turmoil. ### The People Implied as the community witnessing the fugitive's death and his struggle for freedom. ## Key lines > Slowly o’er his darkened features Stole the warning shades of death, And we knew the mystic angel Waited for his parting breath. Death's approach became visible on his face, and those present recognized that an angel of death was waiting for his final breath. _Sets the scene of the fugitive's imminent death._ > He had started for his freedom, And his heart beat firm and high; But before he won the guerdon Came the message⁠—he must die. He set out for freedom with a strong and hopeful heart, but before he could achieve his reward, he received the news that he would die. _Highlights the tragic irony of dying just before reaching freedom._ > For awhile a fearful madness Rested on his weary brain, And he thought the hateful tyrant Had rebound his galling chain. For a time, a terrible madness settled in his exhausted mind, and he imagined that the cruel oppressor had reattached his painful chains. _Describes the fugitive's temporary delusion of being recaptured._ > Then he cried in bitter anguish, Take me where that good man dwells, For a name to freedom precious Lingered ’mid life’s shattered cells. In bitter pain, he begged to be taken to the home of a kind person, because a name that was dear to the cause of freedom remained in his broken mind. _The fugitive's plea reflects his longing for a safe haven associated with the abolitionist movement._ > But as sunshine gently stealing On the storm-cloud’s gloomy track, Through the tempests of his bosom Came the light of reason back. Just as sunlight softly breaks through a dark storm cloud, clarity returned to his troubled heart. _Metaphor for the fugitive regaining his sanity and peace._ > And, without a sigh or murmur For the friends he’d left behind, Calmly yielded he his spirit To the Father of mankind. Without any complaint or regret for the loved ones he was leaving, he peacefully gave up his soul to God. _Describes the fugitive's serene acceptance of death._ > Thankful that so near to freedom He with eager feet had trod, Ere his ransom’d spirit rested On the bosom of his God. He was grateful that he had walked so close to freedom before his redeemed soul found rest in God's embrace. _Final expression of gratitude for having almost attained liberty._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-dying-fugitive - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters