A recurring idea in this book is determination. Sojourner may have begun her life as a slave but as her narrative continues, the reader sees her take her life into her own hands and make a life that other slaves never attempted. When Sojourner was promised freedom a year early and Dumont refused to give it to her, she ran away. She planned her freedom and was careful to make it easy for Dumont to find her. She explained herself and found sanctuary.