# The Bênitous’ Slave explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Kate Chopin.

## What happens

Uncle Oswald, an elderly former slave, stubbornly believes he belongs to the Bênitou family despite having been freed and owned by others for decades. His current caretaker, Monsieur, tries to keep him safe, but Oswald repeatedly runs away to find the Bênitous, often getting injured. Finally, Monsieur decides to commit him to an institution, but on the day of the journey, Oswald meets a little girl named Susanne Bênitou and follows her home. Recognizing Oswald's devotion, Monsieur arranges for him to stay with the Bênitous, where he finally finds contentment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Confinement

Uncle Oswald's insistence on belonging to the Bênitous, despite being legally free, illustrates a paradoxical confinement to a past identity, while his eventual placement with the family brings him a sense of security and purpose.

### Cultural and Historical Context

The story highlights the post-emancipation South, where former slaves like Uncle Oswald grapple with freedom and identity, and where paternalistic relationships persist between white families and Black servants.

## Character check-ins

### Suzanne St. Denys Godolph

Appears as Susanne Bênitou, a twelve-year-old girl who unknowingly leads Uncle Oswald to his new home.

## Key lines

> Old Uncle Oswald believed he belonged to the Bênitous, and there was no getting the notion out of his head.

Uncle Oswald was convinced that he was still owned by the Bênitou family, and nothing could change his mind.

_Establishes the central conflict of the story: Oswald's unshakable belief in his belonging to the Bênitous._

> My name’s Susanne; Susanne Bênitou

The little girl introduced herself as Susanne Bênitou.

_This revelation triggers Oswald's immediate decision to follow her, as she represents the family he longs to serve._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_33_se/chapters/the-b-nitous-slave
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_33_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_33_se/chapters