Dessa Rose: The Class Divide

     Obviously class is a theme throughout this book and in some way supersedes the themes of race and ethnicity. In the last portion of the book, this is particularly emphasized as the relationship between slave and slave owner is explored further. On page 206, Williams writes, "...slavery was ugly and we felt right to soak the masters for all we could get," showing the great divide between not only the classes, but the values of each class. Both classes used each other, and while one was more successful and violent, the other was better at manipulation and ability to change their identity. 

     Once a slave owner always a slave owner, but a slave has the ability to change who they are. Sure, the ability to be a better carpenter, farmer, or cook didn't help one move up the class system, it allowed them to fit into any society as a valuable member. Whether tied up by a rope or auctioned off based on their "story" (page 206), slaves were ruled by their owners unless they ran. It isn't easy to jump the classes, and in this case, the only way to escape these societal constraints are to pretend to be someone you aren't or run until you can be the person you want to be.