How does the excerpt from incidents in the life of a slave girl reflect the theme of self-reliance? point to specific ideas or events that support this theme.

In Harriet Jacobs’ slave narrative, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, the protagonist Linda plans to escape her master, Dr. Flint. She is aided in her escape attempt by friends and family who offer her advice and shelter. However, Linda understands that the more people who know about her plan and hiding place, the more likely she is to get caught, which is why she must act alone and rely only on herself. 

I did as I was ordered. But now that I was certain my children were to be put in their power, in order to give them a stronger hold on me, I resolved to leave them that night. I remembered the grief this step would bring upon my dear old grandmother; and nothing less than the freedom of my children would have induced me to disregard her advice.

In this way, it is Linda’s self-reliance that gives her the courage to escape from her master’s house. plato