Petry portrays the social issues surrounding slavery with great sensitivity.

She shows how a compassionate woman dramatically improved the lives of many others through nonviolent rebellion against grave social injustices. The narrative condemns the institution of slavery without vilifying specific individuals or groups, and objectively analyzes the economic and social conditions that promoted slavery. It also addresses universal issues such as the tendency of the ruling class to abuse power and the ability of the oppressed to effect positive social change through the power of cooperation.