Page 82
Sometimes I make a poor creative decision in drawing a chapter and I gotta be like ‘you made your bed now lie in it’. This time, it’s the inscrutable hairstyle I decided to give Adelaide.
↓ Transcript
panel 1 [Ezra is centered between Adelaide and Barzillai, looking off to the side with a slight frown.]
EZRA:
Lotta cruel educations in this world. Many that some folks can’t choose—Whalin’ gave a choice, for me. Not everyone can find that ashore.
ADELAIDE:
…Perhaps when you return from this voyage Mr. Carter, you’ll find the States much changed.
Panel 2 [Shot of Adelaide, going on, looking cautiously optimistic]
ADELAIDE:
The Anti-Slavery Society is working tirelessly out of New Bedford. I’ve volunteered alongside those abolitionists. We distribute pamphlets, we raise funds for charities. There are grocers who sell produce that comes from only free labor, not slave.
Panel 3 [A wide shot of the table with everyone present as the two speak to each other. Ezra looks up across the table at Adelaide with a cautious expression, anxiously tapping at his knuckles. Adelaide is frowning down at the table with her hands in her lap, looking somewhat flustered/apologetic.]
EZRA:
...D’you know if all the provisions on this ship are free labor produce, ma’am?
ADELAIDE:
…I suppose they’re not.
Panel 4 [Ezra looks down at his plate as he cuts his food, grim but thoughtful]
EZRA:
Lot can change in four years for a person: streets familiar one time, lines on the face of someone y'love weren’t there before, a man’s idea on life…
Panel 5 [Same shot, only Ezra's looking up back across the table]
EZRA:
Other things take a lot longer, if they happen at all. So I’m doin’ the best I can in the place I find myself in.
Panel 6 [Adelaide looks over at him, smiling slightly but still looking a bit cowed]
ADELAIDE:
Well…I’m happy that it’s brought you to the table with us, in any case.
EZRA:
Lotta cruel educations in this world. Many that some folks can’t choose—Whalin’ gave a choice, for me. Not everyone can find that ashore.
ADELAIDE:
…Perhaps when you return from this voyage Mr. Carter, you’ll find the States much changed.
Panel 2 [Shot of Adelaide, going on, looking cautiously optimistic]
ADELAIDE:
The Anti-Slavery Society is working tirelessly out of New Bedford. I’ve volunteered alongside those abolitionists. We distribute pamphlets, we raise funds for charities. There are grocers who sell produce that comes from only free labor, not slave.
Panel 3 [A wide shot of the table with everyone present as the two speak to each other. Ezra looks up across the table at Adelaide with a cautious expression, anxiously tapping at his knuckles. Adelaide is frowning down at the table with her hands in her lap, looking somewhat flustered/apologetic.]
EZRA:
...D’you know if all the provisions on this ship are free labor produce, ma’am?
ADELAIDE:
…I suppose they’re not.
Panel 4 [Ezra looks down at his plate as he cuts his food, grim but thoughtful]
EZRA:
Lot can change in four years for a person: streets familiar one time, lines on the face of someone y'love weren’t there before, a man’s idea on life…
Panel 5 [Same shot, only Ezra's looking up back across the table]
EZRA:
Other things take a lot longer, if they happen at all. So I’m doin’ the best I can in the place I find myself in.
Panel 6 [Adelaide looks over at him, smiling slightly but still looking a bit cowed]
ADELAIDE:
Well…I’m happy that it’s brought you to the table with us, in any case.
Really appreciate Ezra’s comments in this chapter.