Sarah has always been a bold character and one who spoke up for what she believed in. Beginning with when she “set free” Handful from slavery on her seventh birthday, this stance against slavery reigned true in Sarah throughout the novel (19). However, she was led astray from her ideas when she was involved with Burke Williams. During this time, Sarah let her guard down and allowed herself to grow close to Burke to only then be crushed when she found out about his multiple lovers. Nevertheless, we see Sarah grow and mature and while a new man Israel enters her life, she knows where to draw the line between standing firm in her ideas and giving in to being a wife and mother. What reaffirmed this self-awareness in Sarah was her silver fleur de lis button. When she rediscovered the button Sarah realized that “…[she] was meant to do something in the world, something large, larger than [her] self,” and with that Sarah sought to become a Quaker minister so that she could share her ideas with the community (277). The button “had always held this knowing for [Sarah],” and was the reassurance she needed to feel confident in what she believed. This new-found confidence is what led Sarah to decline Israel’s proposal, though hard, Sarah knew she had “…chosen the life [she] belonged to” (295). The fleur de lis was Sarah’s guide “the button had been the most constant object in [her] life,” and would continue to guide her as she sought to further her calling: the abolitionist movement and the fight against slavery.
Barret, I really like how you connected Sarah’s romantic encounters with her purpose in changing the world for the better. I would like to add that, when finally approached my Israel to be his wife, Sarah realized not only that she was to do something more meaningful in her life, as you have suggested, but also that she did not need a husband to be happy in life. I believe this encounter where Sarah refuses to give up her ambition to be with the man of her dreams is the culmination of Sarah’s already feminist leaning thoughts. I think in that moment Sarah understands that it is her button, the symbol of her aspiration, which really matters. In addition, it is not lost on me the deeper meaning of a button being Sarah’s champion, because, like a button fastening together a coat, so too does Sarah’s religious determination hold her together and keep her safe.
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Barrett
Just sharing my ideas, in hopes of sparking new ideas in you.