First Mistress Character Analysis

The unnamed mistress of Mother and, during her early years, Linda. Mother and the mistress have an unusually close relationship, and at her deathbed the mistress promises to take care of her children. She takes the young girl under her wing, teaches her about religion, and treats her so kindly that Linda says she doesn’t even realize she’s a slave. However, on her death she doesn’t free the girl but leaves her to the Flints, plunging her into a decade of trouble. The mistress’s pious and kindly attitude contrasts with her actual behavior, and Linda uses this character to point out that people who make an outward show of religiosity often lack the moral strength that should come with such devotion.