Freedom and Slavery

The very title "Slave on the Block" calls immediate attention to the theme of freedom and slavery. Just as slaves were displayed to prospective buyers, the Carraways put Luther on display in their household. Anne's great inspiration is to paint Luther as a slave, and Michael is moved to compose"a modern slave plaint" when he sees the young man posing. One day, when called to pose, he reluctantly appears, singing "Before I'd be a slave / I'd be buried in ma grave / And go home to my Jesus / And be free." That same afternoon he almost lets the furnace go out. Slaves often sang spirituals about freedom as a masked form of rebellion. This song can be seen as Luther's criticism of his status in the Carraway household.

Race and Racism

For all their enthusiasm for "things Negro," the Carraways do not acknowledge Luther, or indeed...