LitCharts (2024)

The Freedom Trail is an endless row of lynched black bodies in North Carolina, left out on display to warn black people against rebellion. The bodies are mutilated and rotting, and the Freedom Trail thus represents the gory reality of white supremacy. The Trail is a mythic site with fantastical elements, such as the fact that it has no beginning or end. In this way, the Trail represents the limitless and unimaginable violence exerted on black people and the absolute moral vacuum of white supremacy. While no such trail existed in history, lynching was such a massive phenomenon that if the bodies of all the black people lynched in America were lined up, the trail would indeed stretch out in a seemingly infinite manner. Furthermore, because this violence was so widespread and normalized, it is impossible to know the exact numbers of people murdered in this way. The infinite nature of the Freedom Trail thus represents the unknowability of the history of black life in America, particularly given the fact that enslaved people were forbidden from recording accounts of their own lives and that those who were lynched were silenced forever. The trail confirms the symbolic link between death and freedom in the novel. While Cora is on the run, most of the people who flee with her or help her are killed, and thus Cora is haunted by her own symbolic Freedom Trail comprised of all the deaths that take place during her escape.

LitCharts (2024)

FAQs

What are LitCharts used for? ›

While the analysis in other literature guides is often disconnected from the summary and underlying text, our side-by-side summary and analysis are always examples of close reading. As a result, LitCharts help students understand the text at the closest level, and serve as a model that teaches how to read closely.

How to unlock LitCharts a+ for free? ›

Can I get a free trial of LitCharts A+? We're delighted you're interested in trying out LitCharts A+! We don't offer a free trial, but you can download a few free samples of our downloadable products to get a better idea of what's included in the membership.

Is LitCharts a trustworthy site? ›

LitCharts is created by literature experts, run by literature experts, and every LitChart is written by a literature expert. Our founders, Ben and Justin, are experts in English Literature. They both graduated magna cum laude with highest honors in English Literature from Harvard.

Is there a free version of LitCharts? ›

If you aren't ready for a LitCharts A+ subscription, Free accounts can be a great way to still get great value from LitCharts! Free accounts allow you to: Make requests that we cover a specific book or title. Get notified when we publish new titles.

Are LitCharts worth it? ›

LitCharts is a great resource to use with ESL/ELL and intervention students to reinforce concepts in texts provided. It is also helpful for students who lack experience with challenging literary classic.

Do you have to pay for LitCharts A+? ›

You can subscribe to LitCharts A+ as a monthly member or as an annual member. A monthly subscription is $9.95 USD per month.

Who runs LitCharts? ›

LitCharts was founded in 2008 by Justin Kestler and Ben Florman, who led the editorial and product development of SparkNotes, another literature guide series, in the early 2000s.

Why is SparkNotes not a credible source? ›

Popular and collective websites (ask.com, about.com, WebMD.com, Sparknotes.com, etc.) are not generally acceptable as credible sources. These sites have freelance writers who may or may not be experts in the field. The articles and information they collect from other sources may not be reliable.

What is similar to LitCharts? ›

The closest competitor to litcharts.com are sparknotes.com, gradesaver.com and shmoop.com. To understand more about litcharts.com and its competitors, sign up for a free account to explore Semrush's Traffic Analytics and Market Explorer tools.

How much do you get paid at LitCharts? ›

LitCharts Salary FAQs

The average LitCharts hourly pay ranges from approximately $21 per hour (estimate) for an Intern - Hourly to $33 per hour (estimate) for a Freelance Writer. LitCharts employees rate the overall compensation and benefits package 4.2/5 stars.

Should I cite LitCharts? ›

Copying LitCharts content without citing it appropriately is plagiarism and can have severe consequences, including academic discipline or even expulsion. Please only use LitCharts to help you understand literature and literary analysis, and always cite our content thoroughly in order to prevent plagiarism.

How much do LitCharts pay freelance writers? ›

The estimated total pay range for a Freelance Writer at LitCharts is $24–$46 per hour, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Freelance Writer base salary at LitCharts is $30 per hour.

Why do people use SparkNotes? ›

SparkNotes is a resource you can turn to when you're confuzzled. We help you understand books, write papers, and study for tests.

What type of website is LitCharts? ›

With LitCharts, their goal was to use technology to rebuild the literature guide format from the ground up. Fast forward 11 years, and LitCharts now offers over 2,000 digital literature guides that are read by millions of visitors each month.

Can you use SparkNotes instead of reading the book? ›

SparkNotes are meant to help you understand literature—not as a substitute for it.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 6034

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.