“These evidences of decay were partially concealed by a creeping vine, which extended its slender branches hither and thither in an ambitious but futile attempt to cover the whole chimney.”

This description of the old schoolhouse allows the reader to understand the Northern perspective on the old, slaveholding South. John can see the decay, but he also sees that nature alone will never fully bury the history that the schoolhouse represents. John believes it can only be useful if it is pulled apart and used to build something new and better.

“When we reached the mill, the foreman had gone over to a neighboring farmhouse, probably to smoke or gossip, and we were compelled to await his return before we could transact our business.”

This delay provides the context for Julius’s story. If the foreman were present, the lumber purchase would be transacted immediately. But John, Annie, and Julius must wait until the foreman returns, giving Julius a chance to tell Sandy’s tale.

“The sound rose and fell in a sort rhythmic cadence, which heard from where we sat, was not unpleasing, and not loud enough to prevent conversation.”

John describes the sound that Julius later says is something to “cuddle [his] blood.” John hears it as a pleasant, possibly relaxing sound. This indicates the two very different perspectives of the characters. It also suggests that experiences are interpreted through personal history.