The book emphasizes the value of freedom to enslaved people, showing how severe the hardships are when escaping slavery and then living after it. Importantly, freedom is presented as something the enslaved know they are worthy of and see as difficult, but not impossible, to attain. Doing so requires, in cases such as Ona’s, that the enslaved formulate a plan to increase the success of their escape. Knowing who, among the free citizens, can be trusted to aid an enslaved person wishing to flee is critical. Trusting the wrong person could mean an enslaved person is then sold, thus separating them from family members. To flee slavery means to battle many obstacles: In the north, one of these is the elements—snow could make travel difficult, and enslaved people are not equipped with adequate clothing. If an enslaved person successfully arrives in a place where slavery is illegal, they then face the task of establishing a life. Enslaved people would have to do so without any money, most likely relying on what skills they already have. Undoubtably, this means that poverty and uncertainty are what an enslaved person should expect. Finally, the psychological toll of escaping is illustrated in the book.