Pages 309-353

So far into the novel,  the interview Octavian had with Mr. Gitney, Dr. Trefusis and Mr. Sharpe has made me feel the most emotion. Liberty has always been a recurring theme but during this interview does it really come to question. Mr. Sharpe explained to Octavian, "...we do not believe in slavery any more than you. We would abolish it, if we could. I wold free you and the others tomorrow, if I could... But you must understand, there is an epense for everything... To manumit you, I would have to pay a bond... grievously expensive..." I felt the same furiousness as Octavian during this conversation. He had every right to question the men's libertarian beliefs, especially after they told him his 'recent progress' had only just proved the inferiority of  the African race. Throughout this so-called interview, Mr. Gitney remains fairly quiet. I would just like to know exactly what Mr. Gitney is feeling towards Octavian. Is it remorse for the boy's treatment, or perhaps achievement for the experiment's outcome? With only a little of the novel left, I also question how Octavian will end his relationships with these three men. He's obviously infuriated during this particular conversation, so will he never succumb to their beliefs that his enslavement actually helped the nation as a whole?

Kendal W.