Sarah and Handful's childhood experiences and family relationships developed their personal interpretations of love. When Sarah lived at Green Hill, she felt loved because she felt wanted. She even says she doesn't "know how [the Morris family] managed before [her]" (215). Because she was able to bring the house to order and comfort Becky as a mother figure, Sarah was able to fill the desire to be wanted. As a child, the boys in her family were also valued over her, therefore leaving her with a lack of true self worth or purpose. Green Hill gave Sarah a purpose despite her gender.
Handful, on the other hand, was very close with her mother as a child, but was always victim to the hardships and abuse of slavery. This made Handful associate love with protection and caregivers. Goodis, a fellow slave, is somewhat of a love interest for Handful. He gave Handful special attention by making "the rabbit cane special for [her] and he would give [her] the last yam off his plate" (221). Because Goodis provided for her and protected her from Sabe's reprimands, Handful started to think "Goodis didn't seem so bad" (221).
Handful, on the other hand, was very close with her mother as a child, but was always victim to the hardships and abuse of slavery. This made Handful associate love with protection and caregivers. Goodis, a fellow slave, is somewhat of a love interest for Handful. He gave Handful special attention by making "the rabbit cane special for [her] and he would give [her] the last yam off his plate" (221). Because Goodis provided for her and protected her from Sabe's reprimands, Handful started to think "Goodis didn't seem so bad" (221).