Resistance and Agency

Resistance and Agency appears as a literary theme in 5 works in the BetterReads curated set. Each book develops the idea in its own plot, voice, and historical moment — the links below open the book-scoped theme guide beside the text.

Enslaved and free Black characters exercise agency through secret communication, escape to Union lines, military service, and acts of defiance, challenging the institution of slavery and asserting their humanity.

Douglass highlights acts of resistance, both overt and covert, such as his fight with the slave-breaker Covey, his secret learning, and his ultimate escape, asserting the humanity and agency of the enslaved in the face of oppression.

William and Ellen's daring escape plan demonstrates active resistance against oppression, showing enslaved people's agency in reclaiming their lives despite immense danger and systemic barriers.

Enslaved characters employ various forms of resistance, including running away, using conjure to alter their circumstances, and subtly undermining their masters, demonstrating agency within a system of extreme control.

Enslaved characters demonstrate agency through acts of defiance, such as Eliza's river crossing, George's escape, and Tom's refusal to betray others, challenging the notion of passive victimhood.