Although she is aware of the harsh punishment that accompanies harboring a fugitive slave, Linda’s grandmother accepts the risks out of love and concern for her granddaughter’s wellbeing. Linda’s grandmother is a free woman, and knows the perils of slavery firsthand. Regardless, she first urges Linda to remain with the Flints encouraging Linda to “give it [escaping] up. Try to bear a little longer. Things may turn out better than expect[ed]” (118). Despite her grandmother’s contestations, Linda escapes and seeks refuge by her grandmother, who in loving protection opens her arms and house to her desperate granddaughter. During the cold winter, a frostbitten Linda recounts that “the kind grandmother [brings her] bed-cloths and warm drinks” (149). Linda’s grandmother taking her in at a time of intense need reveals a circle of matriarchal guardianship that is stronger than any law, or threat from a powerful man such as Dr.
Although she is aware of the harsh punishment that accompanies harboring a fugitive slave, Linda’s grandmother accepts the risks out of love and concern for her granddaughter’s wellbeing. Linda’s grandmother is a free woman, and knows the perils of slavery firsthand. Regardless, she first urges Linda to remain with the Flints encouraging Linda to “give it [escaping] up. Try to bear a little longer. Things may turn out better than expect[ed]” (118). Despite her grandmother’s contestations, Linda escapes and seeks refuge by her grandmother, who in loving protection opens her arms and house to her desperate granddaughter. During the cold winter, a frostbitten Linda recounts that “the kind grandmother [brings her] bed-cloths and warm drinks” (149). Linda’s grandmother taking her in at a time of intense need reveals a circle of matriarchal guardianship that is stronger than any law, or threat from a powerful man such as Dr.