I was a handful. That’s not how I got my name, though.
-- Handful (Part 1, Handful paragraph 9)

Importance: Here, Handful explains to the reader that she is a handful, but that is not why she has the name. Slaves are given names by their owners, but they are also given names by their mothers and fellows. These names often come from their appearance, such as Handful's that she is a handful. These names are the one thing slaves can give one another that their owners cannot take away. It is a small act of freedom against the greater tyranny of slavery.

Why must you fight this? I don’t know where you get these alien ideas. This is our way of life, dear one, make your peace with it.
-- Mrs. Mary Grimke (Part 1, Sarah paragraph 7)

Importance: When Sarah is given Handful as a slave, Sarah refuses to accept Handful, saying she does not want to own a slave. This comes from the...