Copper Sun: Chapter 31 Summary & Analysis

Amari notices that the leaves on the trees are turning gold and rusty. Tidbit sobs in her arms as she wonders if she’s going to be sold like a cow for the rest of her life. She remembers how convinced Afi was of Amari’s spirit and her future, but Amari feels weak. After an hour, Dr. Hoskins pulls over and says he’s ashamed to be human after witnessing murder, violence, cruelty, and hatred. He feels just as responsible as Mr. Derby, since he stayed silent. He doesn’t know how to stop slavery, but he can help Amari, Polly, and Tidbit. Dr. Hoskins points to a bundle of food and money and then to the Ashley River, and he tells Polly to head north. Tomorrow he’ll report the “escape’ to Mr. Derby, but they’ll have a day to get ahead.

Amari doesn’t understand what Dr. Hoskins says and asks how they’re escaping. Dr. Hoskins reiterates that he’s setting them free, but they still have to hope that they can actually make it. He warns Polly that this could still destroy their lives—the dogs will be after them soon, and they can’t hide from the dogs. When Amari asks, Dr. Hoskins says that he’s going to tell Mr. Derby they were attacked and fake an injury. Dr. Hoskins assures her that he’ll tell Teenie that Tidbit wasn’t sold. He pulls out a musket and warns the girls to use it in self-defense, not for hunting. Polly says her father taught her how to shoot, but she’s not a good shot. Dr. Hoskins hands her the gunpowder and says there’s only enough for one shot. The girls and Tidbit jump down and dart into the woods.