Mag, the mother of Frado, is a white woman who had a child out of wedlock (who died in infancy) and was, as a consequence, expelled from society and forced to make a living doing periodic jobs on the edges of life. The author, Harriet E. Wilson, talks about Mag descending "the ladder of infamy." This first descending step of Mag's sets the stage for her other descending steps. She marries the only person who cares whether she lives or dies, a black man named Jim who has generously been supplying her fuel.
Important quote about race: Want is a more powerful philosopher and preacher. Poor Mag. She has sundered another bond which held her to her [white] fellows. She has descended another step down the ladder of infamy.
After Jim's death from "consumption," Mag lives, without benefit of ceremony administered by the clergy, with Jim's old partner, Seth. When work fails, Seth convinces Mag (no hard task) to give away the daughter she had with Jim, Frado.
Important quote about race: She had no longings for a purer heart, a better life. Far easier to descend lower. She entered the darkness of perpetual infamy. She asked not the rite of civilization or Christianity. Her will made her the wife of Seth. [...] "It's no use," said Seth one day; "we must give the children away, and try to get work in some other place." "Who'll take the black devils?" snarled Mag.
The novel turns to the experiences of Frado in the service of Mrs. Bellmont, at whose house Mag left Frado one day, her promise of returning unkept: "It was the last time [Frado] ever saw or heard of her mother." Frado is received compassionately by Mr. Bellmont, although beaten and in every way mistreated by Mrs. Bellmont. Mary Bellmont, their school aged daughter, despises Frado, although Mary's brother James, after returning home, is kindly disposed toward her and gives her relief and kindness as years go on.
Through James, Wilson shows the other side, the minority side, of how society behaves. In the main, society rejects and sets as outcasts any who breach the norms (Mag) or are, through no fault of their own, born outside the parameters of the norms (Frado). Some within society, such as James, have a compassionate view of the weaknesses of the human condition and extend kindness, patience and friendship to any--young or old, black or white--in need.
Important quote for society: James found her, upon his return, sobbing; but fearful of revenge, she dared not answer his queries. He guessed their cause, and longed for returning health to take her under his protection.
Frado's education is attempted but not without much hatred and hostility at the school she is sent to attend with Mary. The children there have no love of her, having rejected her on sight.
Important quote for education: The opening day of school came. Frado sauntered on far in the rear of Mary, who was ashamed to be seen "walking with a nigger." As soon as she appeared, with scanty clothing and bared feet, the children assembled, noisily published her approach: "See that nigger," shouted one. "Look! look!" cried another. "I won't play with her," said one little girl. "Nor I neither," replied another.
An evangelist comes to town, and Frado is taken to attend. She had been spoken to by Aunt Abby and the minister about the Christian religion but didn't really understand it. While she was contemplating whether blacks were allowed to have a share in heaven ("Her doubt was, IS there a heaven for the black?"), the preacher invited all, young and old, black and white, to accept the invitation to salvation and heaven.
Important quote on religion: While [Frado] was exercised with these desires and aspirations, she attended an evening meeting with Aunt Abby, and the good man urged all, young or old, to accept the offers of mercy, to receive a compassionate Jesus as their Saviour. "Come to Christ," he urged, "all, young or old, white or black, bond or free, come all to Christ for pardon; repent, believe."
Death in the Bellmont family leads the way into the next phase of Frado's life.
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