Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom

Love is central to the story of William and Ellen Craft. When they met each other, they were only teenagers, but the reality of existing within a system of slavery established a deep bond between them. Initially, William and Ellen wanted to wait to be married and start a family until they could secure their freedom, but they later they realized that being together would enable them to mobilize their plans. As the Crafts traveled to the North in pursuit of freedom, Ellen pretended to be a white enslaver, and William acted as her enslaved companion. Their ability to fool others was strengthened by the bond the two shared. During the mid-19th century, many pro-slavery Americans believed in a false image of slavery: that a bond of love existed between an enslaver and their trafficked victim. William quelled concerns that he might be a flight risk in the North by his displays of loyalty and affection for his enslaver, playing upon the biases of those around him. The couple found strength to carry out their difficult and dangerous journey by leaning on one another.

Woo reveals other elements to the nature of love and its enduring power. The Crafts displayed love for others in their monumental decision to set aside their personal goals for advocacy.