| Episodes |
Let Freedom Ring?
Elizabeth Guzzo
[1] Sally's mother Betty Hemings declares, "Being free is a precious gift," and "I want you [Sally] to have something none of us ever had." Unable to anticipate that freedom could become a reality for James and Sally while living in the United States, Betty refers to the opportunities available for her children in France. Both James and Sally do acquire liberty at the hands of Thomas Jefferson in their home country; however, James cannot handle it and commits suicide, while Sally keeps her freedom confidential and maintains her position as a slave. In the film, Betty receives her wish, but ultimately freedom does not bring her children what Betty had originally hoped. The main obstacle blocking the path for both children's happiness in freedom is Sally's love for Jefferson.
[2] In Sally Hemings: An American Scandal, there are two different types of freedom present: freedom in Paris and freedom in Virginia. It is possible that James could have been successful and satisfied in Paris. The culture was more accepting of blacks, his excellent culinary skills made him marketable, and the freedom he craved was already a reality before Sally arrived. In this way, Sally and her affair are responsible for James's death. Sally puts her love of Jefferson before herself and her own familial obligations. Her mother asked her to stay in Paris, her brother has no desire of leaving, and she has the opportunity to start a better life for herself as a maid. Sally pushes all of those facts aside and chooses a life of slavery with Jefferson rather than a life of freedom with her brother in France. Had Betty never sent Sally to Paris, or had Sally never fallen in love with Jefferson, it is possible that her brother would not have committed suicide; he could have kept his desired place among the people of France. On account of Sally and Jefferson's relationship, however, all three decide to return to Monticello. Jefferson promises James his freedom in the United States, but this supposed blessing does not save James from a terrible death.
[3] Upon James and Sally's return to Monticello, Betty reprimands Sally, saying, "You were supposed to stay over there and be free. James was gonna see after you, and now both of you are back here, and with your belly as big as a house, by Master Tom!" Betty recognizes that Jefferson and the pregnancy brought Sally back and that James only left Paris on account of his sister. In America, James leaves Monticello to have a fresh start with freedom, but he literally goes crazy. Callender's slandering of his sister's name is what drives James over the edge. As Callender announces Jefferson and Sally's relationship, labeling Sally as "a slut as common as the pavement," James becomes furious. He states, "I am James Hemings, a free man, and you shall not defame my sister." He prides himself on being free, but this liberty is not recognized among the masses. While he attempts to stand up for his sister, his position as a black man disables him from being respected. Callender responds to James as if he is illiterate, which drives James even further into despair. After James pronounces he'll "have you cursed by slavery" and is forced out of Callender's presence, the audience witness James's death. Once again, Sally and her relationship with Jefferson smite James's ability to live a free life. While he may have already struggled with freedom, hearing about Sally and Jefferson's liaison publicized pushes him to death. His sister's affair stands in the way of him and the pursuit of happiness.
[4] Contrary to James, Sally does not even desire freedom. In the opening of the film, she tells her mother, "I don't care about being free," referring to the fact that she would rather stay a slave in Monticello than be free in a foreign country. Sally, nonetheless, obtains freedom twice: by law in Paris and by Jefferson's documented word. Sally keeps this confidential from everyone, including the audience, until after Jefferson's death. Finally, Sally informs Martha, "I've been free since Paris. . . . If I took my freedom, it would have meant I'd have to leave Virginia. I would never, I would never have left your father." Sally's love for Jefferson makes it impossible to enjoy freedom. She stands in the way of her own liberty, going against the values that are most important to her family. Sally remains enslaved and in love, rather than free and independent like her mother desired.
[5] Betty receives her biggest yearning but not in the fashion she hoped. Jefferson grants both of his slaves' freedom, but he simultaneously takes it away. He allows Sally to be free but nonetheless begs her to remain with him multiple times in the film. He also asks James to return to Monticello with them instead of staying in France. While Jefferson deserves some of the blame, it is Sally's ability to reciprocate feelings that ultimately causes freedom to be irrelevant to contentment. Even though Jefferson sways Sally's decision, he always gives her a choice, which is proven by the fact that she could have left him at anytime. Sally continuously picks Jefferson, her lover, over her family and freedom. This decision leads James to death but Sally to contentment in slavery.
