“You the granddaughter of a woman warrior. She was married to the Fon king, given by her daddy because he had so many daughters, and he was rich. The King had hundreds of warrior wives."
The statement is a conversation between Annis and her mother, who gives her a history of her ancestors and lineage. The mother is telling her daughter this story to encourage her to understand that she is a fighter and warrior despite her current circumstances of slavery. In addition, the story gives the narrator a sense of identity and personality because it reminds her that she is an African with a designated heritage.
"You remember that, too, you hear. You don't need this ivory or their spears. In this world, you have you your own weapon."
Surviving through enslavement is a nightmare for the young Annis. The mother knows her daughter does not understand the physical and emotional pain that waits in the slavery world. Therefore, the quote shows the mother’s tactical approach to preparing her daughter for the challenges she will face as an enslaved woman. The young girl does not understand why she is sold, to be away from her family and work for other people who claim to be her new owners.
“I tried to remember that I still had plenty inside he could not take.”
Throughout the text, the reader realizes that enslaved people are the property of their masters. The case is similar for Annis when a new owner purchases her. However, Annis is a strong girl because she knows her emotions and memories are intact and cannot be part of her master's properties. Consequently, these attributes keep Annis strong despite going through physical and emotional pains at the hands of the slave masters.
