My Bondage and My Freedom, Chapter 21 summary
Chapter 21 of 34 · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 21, the narrator explains why he conceals escape methods, then describes earning money under Master Hugh’s control and losing permission to hire his own time. He brings forward his escape, hides his intentions through steady work, and leaves Baltimore and slavery on September third, 1838, without revealing his route or assistance.
What happens
- The narrator refuses to disclose escape methods because publicity threatens helpers and blocks routes for enslaved people.
- Master Thomas rejects his request to hire his time, but Master Hugh grants it under costly conditions.
- The narrator saves money until a camp meeting delays his weekly payment and Master Hugh withdraws the arrangement.
- After refusing to work for a week, he sets an escape date and finds employment at Mr. Butler’s shipyard.
- He delivers his wages regularly to quiet suspicion while preparing to leave friends and face the risk of capture.
- On September third, 1838, he leaves Baltimore and slavery, withholding the means of his escape.
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In this chapter
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Why does Master Hugh stop the narrator from hiring his time?
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“My Bondage and My Freedom, Chapter 21 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/my-bondage-and-my-freedom-chapter-21-summary.
Library of Alexandria. (2026). My Bondage and My Freedom, Chapter 21 summary. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/my-bondage-and-my-freedom-chapter-21-summary
“My Bondage and My Freedom, Chapter 21 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/my-bondage-and-my-freedom-chapter-21-summary.
@misc{my_bondage_and_my_freedom_chapter_21_summary_2026,
title = {My Bondage and My Freedom, Chapter 21 summary},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/my-bondage-and-my-freedom-chapter-21-summary}
}
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