Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington's Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away; Young Readers Edition

Nonfiction | Biography | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Chapters 9-17

Chapter 18-Epilogue

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Key Figures

Ona Judge

Although she is the protagonist, little is presented about Ona’s inner life and character. This is due to her status as an enslaved person: As she is regarded as property and not permitted to read or write, these aspects of her person are not recorded. Only indirect characterization can be made based on conclusions drawn by what Martha Washington would have valued in a personal attendant. Thus, her intelligence and loyalty are among Ona’s key qualities. She understands that she is expected to obey authority quietly and without resistance. Her loyalty to the Washingtons is a key factor in their decision to bring her north when they relocate to New York. Likewise, because she is of mixed race, she has a very slight advantage over other enslaved people, as her lighter skin is regarded, the text states, as more desirable at the time. The authors note that Ona is discreet and obedient and performs her job effectively, proven by the fact that she returns north with the Washingtons once each summer ends. In a narrative sense, she is flat but dynamic, changing throughout the story.

The time spent in the north, particularly in Philadelphia, provides Ona with both the desire for freedom and the opportunity to attain it. In Philadelphia, she witnesses free Black people for the first time. This allows her to believe that the possibility exists for her to obtain freedom. The connections she makes with free Black people, particularly community leaders such as Richard Allen, are instrumental in her achieving her goal. That Ona knows to keep these plans quiet and is able to make them without the Washingtons suspecting her escape is a testament to her intelligence, bravery, and ingenuity.

Once in New Hampshire, Ona demonstrates her resourcefulness and perseverance. Though she is likely housed and aided by a free Black family, Ona must seek employment to support herself. This requires work and dedication. Freedom proves highly valuable to Ona, and her willingness to endure a life of poverty indicates the pride she takes in exerting her humanity. When attempts are made to return Ona to slavery, she refuses. Again and again, she outsmarts those who believe she will willingly relinquish her freedom without resistance. Her defiance is evidence of bravery and inner resolve.

George Washington

The narrative begins on the eve of the Revolutionary War, and Washington’s willingness to enter into battle is among his admirable traits. He is a talented leader whose military knowledge and experience serve him well, paving the way for a successful political career once the war ends. Readers will likely be familiar with these descriptions of Washington, but the authors point to the reluctance the former general initially experiences to enter the political sphere. He does not seek fame nor spotlight, yet the new country is valuable to him, and he is presented in a way that suggests he sacrifices his own personal dreams and desires for the betterment of the county as a whole. He shows some roundness and dynamism, with readers’ perceptions of him changing throughout the novel.

The narrative portrays the president’s strengths of character but also his flaws. As president, George must separate his personal self from his public, political one. Though he may have doubts about the justness of slavery, maintaining public favor is a higher priority. Similarly, the narrative points to instances that reveal Washington’s hypocrisy: Despite his support of the Fugitive Slave Act—which allows a captured fugitive from slavery the right to trial—he is set on denying this right to Ona. Most significantly, the evils of his character are revealed through his personal support of slavery, ownership of enslaved people, and persistence in pursuing Ona. Demonstrating George’s determination to keep Ona enslaved is one of the key aims of the book.

Throughout his life, George self-identifies as a Virginian and, therefore, a southerner. His pride in being from Virginia is evident in the care he gives to Mount Vernon. The extensive estate is a source of satisfaction for him and an extension of his person. He operates under the commonly held belief that enslavement is preferable by the Black people who are enslaved. He believes the false and racist claim that Black people are less intelligent and therefore in need of white people to provide them with housing, food, and a means to carry out a fulfilling life through service. In this justification of slavery, George is able to carry out the status quo.

Martha Washington

The wife of the first president, Martha lives a life of privilege but also one filled with hardships. She hails from a wealthy and prominent family, which means she need not worry about basic needs and is accustomed to a life of luxury. Ona’s mother, Betty, is Martha’s property by the death of her first husband—such enslaved people increase Martha’s wealth. Yet Martha’s life is fraught with sadness: Not only must she face the death of her first husband, and live in the shadow of her second, but all four of her children also die before she does. The narrative emphasizes Martha’s strong preference for the south over the north and her inclination to self-identify as a southerner. She takes pride in being a Virginia native and dislikes the congestion of New York and Philadelphia.

As her husband enters into political life, Martha fulfills the social image expected of her: She dresses carefully and maintains an appearance of respectability. She engages in social functions, often leading them, in a manner that conveys affability and warmth. Her ability to do so, however, is greatly thanks to Ona. The narrative frequently speaks of Ona’s skill in tempering Martha’s moods and soothing her when she becomes anxious or stressed. In this way, Martha seems, at times and according to the text, more akin to a temperamental child than an adult. This further underscores, however, just how valuable Ona is to Martha.

The narrative also stresses that Martha is a staunch supporter of the institution of slavery. Though there is no evidence given as to her direct treatment of her enslaved people, historical documents reveal that she never strays from her belief that the institution is right. The superiority of white people over Black enslaved people is a false and racist belief Martha accepts as truth. That she understands the unpopularity of this position among northerners is evident in the way she exerts discretion: by carefully moving the Washingtons’ enslaved people between Philadelphia, Mount Vernon, and other states where slavery is legal, Martha is able to skirt the six-month residency law, which could have granted freedom to several enslaved people. When Ona flees, Martha regards this as a personal affront. Believing she has treated Ona kindly, Martha deems it outrageous that Ona should desire freedom, and that she should be discontent with her life as Martha’s servant is unthinkable to her.