Chapter 28, Aunt Nancy Summary and Analysis

Aunt Nancy, the last remaining daughter of Aunt Marthy, slave to Dr. Flint's household, and a source of support and comfort to Linda throughout her trials, dies. Linda briefly tells us her life story, believing Aunt Nancy to have been "slowly murdered" over many years through overwork and neglect. Upon her death, Mrs. Flint wishes for her to be buried next to her in the Flint family plot, to demonstrate what a valuable servant she was, without considering how her family feels.

However, Aunt Marthy insists that her daughter be buried in the slave burial ground with the rest of her family, and the reverend is inclined to honor her request. Phillip offers to bury her at his own expense.

Linda is deeply saddened by the loss of this aunt, and is troubled that she is unable...