March

In Chapter 2, the Clement plantation is depicted as a luxurious estate, creating a stark juxtaposition between its wealthy owner and his toiling slaves. In Chapter 3, it is 20 years later, and the plantation has fallen into disrepair. The property’s deterioration symbolizes the decline of the Southern slave owner, as well as Mr. March’s realization that he will not tolerate racial injustice.

In Chapter 2, Mr. March arrived at the Clement plantation as an 18-year-old traveling salesman. The plantation house was elegant, with a grandiose library that enamored Mr. March. Mr. Clement grew fond of Mr. March’s intellect and invited him to stay on the property for as long as he wanted. They grew close, but Mr. March became uneased by Mr. Clement’s blatant racism and poor treatment of his slaves. Behind Mr. Clement’s back, Mr. March—with the assistance of Grace—started teaching slaves how to read and write. When Mr. Clement found out, he ordered Grace to be brutally whipped. After watching this torture, Mr. March was overcome with guilt, which he still carries years later.

In Chapter 3, as a member of the Union war effort, Mr. March returns to the Clement property.