Slavery and Servitude

The new nation of America seemed to be all about freedom, but slavery and servitude marred the young, idealistic country. Though the text is primarily concerned with Eliza and Alex’s relationship and America’s emerging independence, De La Cruz does not skirt the fact that slavery is a part of the characters' world and a major part of the financial foundation of the young country.

Before slavery is introduced, the reader is introduced to the servants that work at the Schuyler estate. The narrator first introduces Mrs. Schuyler by detailing the love she has for her children. Her choice of servants to raise her children is used as proof of this love. The children were tended by wet nurses and nannies whom Mrs. Schuyler handpicked. She hired tutors to educate them and cooks to feed them. Eliza goes on to note that the...