Hope

Hope is an important theme in this story. Many of the characters feels a sense of hope, as well as hopelessness throughout this story. Most of the events in this story are tied to either hopefulness or hopelessness. The first use of the word hope is early in the first part of this book. Rosa is describing the runaway slaves who are only armed "with wooden spears and secret hopes" (p. 8). Feelings of hopefulness are sensed even earlier, though. When Rosa describes the runaway slaves hiding in secret caves protected by magic, she gives the sense of hope these people felt for the future. Although they may be in hiding, they are fortunate to have some protection that may keep them save until a better future comes along. Throughout this book and its many poems, the characters face terrific challenges, yet, for the most part, many are able...