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Charles W. Chestnutt's The Passing Of Grandson

500 Words2 Pages

Charles W. Chestnutt’s the Passing of Grandison is a tale that sheds light on southern slavery in a time where a movement to free slaves was a rebellious act. The author uses specific locations and dialogue to portray the reality of the era. The theme of the story is addressed through the acts of both of the main characters. On one end, Dick’s determination and courage is driven by a hidden motive that benefits himself; while Grandison’s courage and determination are led by his hidden motive to concur opportunity for himself and his family. Ironically, both men address the topic of what a man is willing to do for the person or people he loves, but the initial reasoning behind the both of the similar yet differing situations leads to a very unexpected outcome. …show more content…

Grandison presents himself as a complacent slave that essentially enjoys living the plantation lifestyle. He expresses that he is “better off than free niggers” and that Colonel Owens is “the bes’ marster any nigger ever had in dis worl’.” Really Grandison’s plan to free himself and all of his family is slowing brewing for the right time. Dick Owens, from the very time he began his voyage with Grandison, was so completely blinded by his own schemes to outwit everyone else, that is never became possible to him that maybe he was the one being fooled. His goal was to obtain a certain damsel named Charity Lomax’s love by freeing a slave because of the gratitude she showed a recently punished “slave stealer”. Charity spoke of the man, “I could love a man who dared such chances for others.” This affection single-handedly guided Dick Owen’s cynical plan to free one of his father’s beloved slaves without him ever noticing how the slave really became

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