When America passed the fugitive slave law compelling men to catch their fellows more brutally than runaway dogs, Canada, aristocratic, unrepublican Canada, still stretched her arms to those who might reach her. But there is no refuge upon earth for the enslaved sex. Right where we are, there we must dig our trenches, and win or die.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Canada offered refuge to escaped slaves despite its own flaws, but enslaved women have no safe place elsewhere.
- In plain terms
- Canada helped escaped slaves even if it was imperfect, but enslaved women have no refuge.
- What can you take from it?
- Safe havens are rare for oppressed groups.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where can the oppressed find safety?
- What does true refuge require?
Another view
The historical context limits direct application to modern situations.
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