In Underground to Canada, Barbara Smucker explores the resilience of the human spirit, emphasizing how characters such as Julilly and Liza overcome barriers and trauma to find freedom and happiness. Smucker shows how Julilly’s bravery and determination help her to overcome the many setbacks she encounters on her journey north. Despite being “frightened and bewildered” by sheriffs and slave catchers, Julilly is determined to continue to Canada, and she does not lose hope that reaching freedom is possible (115). Julilly is able to recover when the risks she takes do not pay off. For instance, she approaches a farmhouse to try to buy food for herself and Liza, only to be chased away at gunpoint by the farmer. Julilly tries to make light of the situation to keep her and Liza’s spirits up: “Julilly laughed a little and jammed the money deep into her bundle. It was such a relief to be safe and to be with Liza. ‘Well, you sure is better company than an old, cold gun.’ Julilly tried to smile” (89).

Liza also shows tremendous resilience on their travels, soldiering on despite her physical disability and chronic pain. She continues to motivate Julilly and is determined to survive: “There was pain in every bone she moved […] ‘We can’t just sit here Julilly, and waste away.