Towards Freedom

“I was leaving Philadelphia! I was free!” (246) Taking Liberty, a historical fiction novel by Ann Rinaldi, illustrates a young Oney Judge struggling through life as George Washington’s slave. Oney Judge is a slave girl who can’t decide whether she wants to be free or if she wants to keep being George Washington’s slave. Oney Judge is a dynamic character who evolves from ignorant to indecisive and finally to excited towards freedom throughout the novel.

Oney is ignorant towards the idea of freedom at the beginning of the novel. This quote happens around the time when the British are trying to persuade the slaves into joining their forces. “And then came Lord Dunmore’s offer of freedom to any slave willing to join the British forces.” (36) This quote shows that Oney is loyal to Lady Washington and won’t give in to the tempting offer.
The event following the next quote is Oney’s mother taking up the offer.



“ ‘Freedom!’ his voice rang out. ‘Liberty for any and all of you who deign to join the British forces! What say you?’ “ (85) This quote shows how Oney completely ignores another offer for freedom even though her own mother takes up the offer. These two quotes represent how she is completely ignorant to freedom in the beginning of the book.

Oney is now struggling with the idea of being free, making her indecisive towards the idea. In the event leading up to this quote, Hercules, the slave chef, has told Oney a pretty big secret. “I nodded. I tried not to show my surprise. Hercules was planning to run.” (166) Oney is surprised that he’s planning to run because she hasn’t yet decided if she wants to run. The event before this quote Oney’s mom is a little loopy after getting smallpox. “ ‘You go wif her to Philadelphia and you take your chance and run away!’ ‘Mama!’ “ (118) This shows that Oney is still isn’t sure if she wants to run away by arguing with her mother. These quotes show that Oney still is indecisive towards the idea of freedom.

Towards the end of the novel, Oney finally decides that she wants to be free and is excited about her decision. Before this quote, Oney had just told Christopher a good sized secret. “I was glad to be able to tell somebody.” (157) Oney excitedly tells Christopher that she wants to be free. “I was leaving Philadelphia! I was free!” (246) This quote shows how excited Oney is to finally be free! The thoughts going through Oney’s mind show how she is excited towards freedom.

Oney changes throughout the story from being ignorant and indecisive, to excited towards freedom. Oney reflects the change in the colonies when her mood towards freedom changes while the colonies are fighting for their freedom.