These chapters introduce the pattern of the novel, with chapters alternating between Hetty Handful Grimké and Sarah Grimké. This part opens and closes with chapters narrated by Handful, beginning on Sarah’s 11th birthday, November 26, 1803, and ending over a year later.

The novel opens as Handful Grimké retells a story her mother told her about when her people still lived in Africa and could fly. Handful is skeptical, but her mother insists that someday Handful will learn to fly again. It is a long time before Handful understands what her mother meant.

Handful describes living as a slave in Charleston, South Carolina with her mother, Charlotte—whom she calls Mauma—in the Grimké household. Handful, or Hetty, spends as much time as possible with her mother, including the precious time they spend together making quilts. Mauma is an expert seamstress, responsible for making all of the household’s clothing, including Missus’ finery. Missus is a strict mistress, with many rules for the slaves, including obedience and quiet. Handful describes some of the other slaves: Aunt-Sister, the cook; Tomfry, the butler; and Binah, the nursery maid.

On Sarah’s 11th birthday she moves from the nursery into a grownup bedroom and receives Handful as a gift.