44 pages • 1 hour read
Underground To Canada
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Themes
Resilience of the Human Spirit
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.’ Liza’s voice was hard and determined” (86). In spite of her hardship, Liza is able to appreciate people’s gestures of kindness and, over time, sheds her more “sullen” and angry thoughts. At the Coffin’s house in Ohio, Liza shares her happy fantasy of reaching Canada in her new clothes: “‘In such fine feathers, Lester and Adam will think we is Queen Victoria herself when we step on the land of Canada.’ Liza gave Julilly a radiant smile. Julilly stared at her. […] Where was bent, sullen, angry Liza now?” (116). The girls’ ability to survive their negative experiences with their hope, humor, and positivity intact shows their physical and emotional resilience.
Liberty in Nature
Throughout her novel Smucker contrasts the peace and freedom of nature with the violent oppression of the human systems of hierarchy and enslavement. When Julilly and her friends experience their first moments of rest away from their life of enslavement on the plantation, they take refuge in the peaceful beauty of nature. Smucker writes, “Adam lay face down on the soft grass beneath a sheltering willow near the fallen logs […] A mockingbird sailed through the sky, then perched above her and sang its own clear song. A gentle deer walked serenely to the river’s edge and dipped its head for a long drink” (66-67). This tranquil scene is interrupted by the arrival of the slave hunters, who are looking to recapture Julilly and the others. Their cruelty interrupts Julilly’s enjoyment of nature, and the gentle animals quickly leave: “The deer jerked its head upright. It listened and then ran back among the trees. The mockingbirds chirped a mixed-up song of many birds, then sped away” (67). Much like in the garden of Eden, the arrival of evil abruptly interrupts and transforms the peace and freedom of the natural world. The slave-hunters, whose chains are compared to snakes, further the Edenic imagery.
Similarly, when the friends find a hiding place in a barn, they feel safe in nature once again. Smucker writes, “The rushing stream swallowed the man noises of the road. Only the clear song of the mockingbird could be heard above its rippling” (81). By contrasting the stream’s noise with the “man noises,” Smucker contrasts nature’s gentle beauty with human activity, especially that of the slave hunters. When Lester and Adam are recaptured and the “man noises” of chains, wagons, and shouts return, the beautiful animals quickly leave, showing how human cruelty ruins the natural state of freedom. When Julilly and Liza are safely hidden in the mountains, Julilly experiences this peace and beauty once again: “The pink of sunrise came. It covered Julilly and turned her ragged shirt to gold. All was peaceful, as far as she could see” (84). By creating this vivid imagery of nature’s beauty and peace, Smucker contrasts it sharply with human-inflicted suffering to show that people’s natural state is one of freedom.
The Bonds of Friendship
In Underground to Canada, the protagonist, Julilly, forms a close bond with Liza, and their friendship changes both of their lives. Julilly and Liza’s loving relationship helps them both physically and emotionally survive both their experience of enslavement and their perilous journey on the Underground Railroad. By sharing their hopes of escaping to Canada, Julilly and Liza form a deep friendship based on this secret dream. Together they look at the North Star and imagine following it to freedom. Liza has tried to escape before, and though she was brutally punished for it, she still plans to try again. Inspired by her friend’s boldness, Julilly promises to join her. Julilly tells her friend, “I’m goin’ with you, Liza. I’m afraid and I’m not afraid, same as you” (52). This agreement solidifies the girls’ relationship and strengthens their determination. The author explains, “Julilly felt a new bond between them—stronger than just being good friends. It was held tight by the promise to run away together. It was the most solemn promise Julilly had ever made” (53).
Liza benefits greatly from her friendship with Julilly. Julilly compassionately helps Liza pick enough cotton so she can avoid being punished by Sims, the cruel overseer. Liza has never experienced such kindness before, and she acknowledges Julilly’s kindness: “‘You is a friend,’ the crippled girl whispered; ‘no one else ever picked the high cotton that my poor ol’ back won’t stretch to’” (41). Julilly also ensures that Liza has enough to eat and drink, since Liza’s physical disability limits her ability to care for herself. Liza is grateful for her help, saying, “Without you, Julilly […] I’d starve to death” (50).
While on the run, Julilly continues to find solace in her friendship with Liza. When they hide from sheriffs and slave catchers, Liza’s presence calms Julilly. For example, while hiding in the Quaker’s wagon, “Julilly […] was grateful Liza was there […] Julilly and Liza locked their arms together” (71). Liza helps Julilly maintain her determination and confidence while hiding on Jeb Brown’s roof. She tells her friend, “‘If they climbs onto this roof, we’ll jump,’ she said. ‘We’ll run to the river and hunt for Jeb’s boat.’ Julilly agreed” (106). The girls’ close friendship maintains them physically and emotionally as they work together to turn their dream of freedom into a reality.
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