Even when faced with extreme mental and spiritual torture, in addition to the confinement that spanned seven years, Jacobs still manages to find the determination within her heart to carry on. Harriet strives to accomplish this not only for herself and her own freedom, but for her children's freedom as well. The fact that Jacob's often exhibited an overriding concern for the well-being of her family and friends over her own status is yet another heroic trait within Harriet Jacobs though she often judged herself harshly for her impact on those around her. "It seemed as if I were born to bring sorrow on all who befriended me, and that was the bitterest drop in the bitter cup of my life." "(94) She feels guilt for doing what she sees as necessary to survive, yet she doesn't realize that her sense of responsibility is actually what strengthens her drive. .
Throughout the novel it is simply stunning when the realization of how desensitized the white's had become towards their own slaves becomes so overwhelmingly evident, it cannot be ignored. The cruelties they commit on a daily basis, both physically as well as mentally, are truly astonishing when you realize the detachment of those who inflict this pain. "Her mistress stood by, and mocked at her like an incarnate fiend. 'You suffer do you?'" she exclaimed. "I am glad of it. You deserve it all, and more too."" (9) This quote is from a passage in which a young slave girl is dying soon after giving birth to a child that is nearly white. As she is praying for God to take her and to alleviate her pain once and for all, her mistress continues to torment her. It's hard to imagine such a relentless display of viciousness towards another human being when in one of the most vulnerable of situations, such as, giving birth. This is an especially bitter pill to swallow when the human in question suffering, is an unfortunate victim of circumstances that they had no power or choice to avoid.
