Introduction
In Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Underground Railroad,” many memorable characters struggle against the injustices of slavery. One of the most striking characters in the novel is Ridgeway, a slave catcher who relentlessly pursues the protagonist, Cora, throughout the book. Since Ridgeway is not a normal villain, he is an interesting character. He is intelligent, well-read, and philosophical and sees himself as a protector of the natural order. He justifies his work by saying that he is upholding the law and preserving the social hierarchy that he believes is necessary for a stable society.
Character Analysis
Ridgeway sees himself as a hero, not a villain, believing black people are inferior and meant to be subservient to white people. He is prepared to do whatever is necessary to catch the individuals he is chasing because he cannot see their humanity. In many ways, Ridgeway represents the cognitive dissonance that many people in power must have felt during the era of slavery who knew that slavery was wrong, but they also benefited from it. Thus, Ridgeway is not just a literary character but also a symbol of today’s complex moral and ethical issues.
Personal Reflection
As I read, I couldn’t help but consider how “The Underground Railroad” refers to current social injustice and inequality concerns. One secondary source that speaks to these issues is a 2020 article in The Atlantic by Adam Serwer titled “The American Nightmare.” In this piece, he makes the case that America is still having trouble accepting its racist history and that the impact of slavery remains incredibly present in the nation (Serwer). We are continuously debating issues of racial equality and fairness because the effects of slavery are being felt in our culture today.
Conclusion
Overall, Ridgeway is a complex and fascinating character representing his time’s moral and ethical dilemmas. He stands for today’s difficult moral and ethical quandaries because he is willing to take every measure necessary to capture them. With his persona, Whitehead serves as a reminder that the effects of slavery are still felt in modern society and that, to create a more just and equitable society, we must keep debating issues of social justice and inequality.
Works Cited
Serwer, Adam. “The American Nightmare.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 2020. Web.