Summary Of Master Slave Husband Wife

1286 Words6 Pages

The novel Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo is a fearless story about the escape of an enslaved couple named Ellen and William Craft. The book takes place in the mid-1800s, during a harsh period of slavery. The book's genre is historical biography. The preferred audience is historians, students, and anyone interested in stories of courage and resistance to slavery. The fact that Ellen and William Craft fled slavery to keep their future kids safe demonstrates the determination of enslaved people to obtain liberation. Though their story does not have an expected happy ending, their courage in fleeing reminds them of the ongoing fight against inequality. Because of this, their story isn't as well-known as that of other self-emancipation activists. …show more content…

They were constantly in danger, on high alert for capture, and returned to their owners at any time. Their journey was successful due to their determination and bravery. After reaching Pennsylvania, though, they were relieved to be free and began going across the country, specifically to New England. They shared their story and became proud abolitionist activists. However, due to the Fugitive Slave Act that was passed in 1850, they were in danger, as it let them return to slavery even in free states. To avoid these risks, the Crafts left the United States and traveled to Canada, where they sailed to London and were finally free. They could live without the constant fear of being recaptured. They were able to share their story widely across Europe, contributing significantly to the abolitionist cause. They started a family there and learned to read and write for the first time. 1868, Ellen and William Craft returned to Georgia and accomplished a lot. They made a book, opened a school, ran for state senator, and more. Despite their accomplishments, though, they didn’t have such a happy ending due to their difficulties. Therefore, their story is not as well …show more content…

Her love for him was so strong that out of protection, she wanted to keep their future family safe instead of ending up in slavery. They had to escape at this time to prevent their future generations from being born into slavery. They wanted to avoid raising a child into slavery. Ilyon Woo stated, “She had seen too many children seized out of their parent’s arms and has been separated from her own mother time and again.” The idea of their future children growing up with the same extreme discrimination they went through is horrifying. The Crafts wanted to ensure that future generations would be born into equality, freedom, and justice instead of discrimination and suffering. Ilyon Woo uses many primary sources as her crucial evidence. Her primary source is William’s well-written novel, “Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom,” along with plenty of books. She additionally uses photographs. People in the South were treated miserably, showing the brutality and inequality of slavery. The South were treated as animals. Everyone yearned to escape slavery, and they would do whatever it took. William even promises to do so. He states, “live free or die” (228). This shows many's ultimate decision to