"A button is meant for fastening clothes, but this one is beautiful, just plain uncommon, so I decided to let it stand for my desire to be a lawyer" (59).
Sarah tells Handful about how valuable her button is and how it represents her longing to achieve her dream. It is very interesting to see how Kidd uses button for the comparison. Even though button is a only tiny object, we cannot wear the clothes without fastening the button. Likewise, we cannot try to achieve whatever goal or dream we have without any desire or passion. I remember once I lost one of the button on my favorite shirt, and I couldn't wear that shirt until the button got fixed.
Not only the button symbolizes her desire, but it also reflects her courage. Unlike other women during this period, who usually only dream of marriage, Sarah dreams to be a lawyer. She challenges herself to do something none of women dare to do before. Furthermore, her courage even allows her to resist against the institution of slavery. For example, she teaches Handful how to read even though it's prohibited by the law because she considers Handful as equally as herself. Again, It was not easy for women to believe in abolitionism during this period because women were always taught to be feeble and obedient. Therefore, it suggests how courageous Sarah is and how her silver button reflects her bold thoughts.
sources: http://beafunmum.com/2010/04/button-canvas-craft/
Sarah tells Handful about how valuable her button is and how it represents her longing to achieve her dream. It is very interesting to see how Kidd uses button for the comparison. Even though button is a only tiny object, we cannot wear the clothes without fastening the button. Likewise, we cannot try to achieve whatever goal or dream we have without any desire or passion. I remember once I lost one of the button on my favorite shirt, and I couldn't wear that shirt until the button got fixed.
Not only the button symbolizes her desire, but it also reflects her courage. Unlike other women during this period, who usually only dream of marriage, Sarah dreams to be a lawyer. She challenges herself to do something none of women dare to do before. Furthermore, her courage even allows her to resist against the institution of slavery. For example, she teaches Handful how to read even though it's prohibited by the law because she considers Handful as equally as herself. Again, It was not easy for women to believe in abolitionism during this period because women were always taught to be feeble and obedient. Therefore, it suggests how courageous Sarah is and how her silver button reflects her bold thoughts.
sources: http://beafunmum.com/2010/04/button-canvas-craft/