In Sue Monk Kidd's historical novel The Invention of Wings, Snow, specifically referred to as Old Snow, serves as the carriage driver for the Grimké household. His role involves operating and maintaining the family's carriage, providing transportation for the members of the wealthy Grimké family in Charleston, South Carolina, during the early 19th century.
Role and Context
As a carriage driver, Old Snow would have been a significant figure in the daily operations of an affluent Southern household, responsible for:
- Transportation: Driving the family to various destinations, including social calls, church, market, and other engagements.
- Logistics: Managing the horses and the carriage, ensuring their upkeep and readiness for travel.
- Witness to Events: Occupying a position that allowed him to observe many of the household's activities and interactions, particularly those involving travel outside the home.
The novel often explores the complex dynamics between enslaved individuals and their enslavers, and characters like Old Snow contribute to illustrating the pervasive nature of slavery within the society depicted. While the book primarily focuses on the lives of Sarah Grimké and Hetty "Handful" Grimké, the presence of various servants and enslaved people like Old Snow helps to build the vivid historical backdrop.
Key Servants in the Grimké Household
The Grimké household employed several individuals in various servant roles crucial to the functioning of their home:
| Character Name | Role in The Invention of Wings |
|---|---|
| Old Snow | The carriage driver |
| Sabe | Coachman |
| Eli | House servant |
| Phoebe | Kitchen servant |
These individuals, including Old Snow, represent the intricate web of relationships and dependencies that characterized antebellum Southern society. Their roles, though often in the background of the main narrative, are essential to understanding the daily lives and social structures portrayed in the novel.
