In reality, what is freedom? When can I actually declare my freedom? These questions come to our mind after reading the novel The Known World. Many characters in the novel are said to be "free", but they do not seem to be so in reality. Yes, they can be freed from certain constraints, such as slavery, but in most cases, those who claim to be "free" are the ones who are actually repressed the most. Take John Skiffington for example. He is a “free,” white landowner; he is the sheriff of the town and has great power. John lives for the Lord and is wrapped in the Bible. On the surface, everyone sees Skiffington as a very free man, without any restrictive constraints. So what is John Skiffington's burden? Looking deeper into Skiffington's character, one will discover that he is fighting a mental battle that rages at all times. He wants to do everything in his power to obey and protect the law. After all, it's his job, for John, the law is such a strong belief that he has dedicated his entire life to protecting it. This is exactly John's problem, he is torn between two very important and very strong convictions into which he has put all his strength for years. Skiffington's struggle is this: What happens when the law protects something that he knows is evil in the eyes of God? The two most important things in John Skiffington's life, serving the Lord and protecting the law, are beginning to collide! Is this really freedom? Skiffington is physically free, but mentally he is calm, on the contrary. When Mildred Townsend says, "I have a feeling it doesn't matter anymore, Sheriff, your deputy doesn't seem to care." » John begins to realize that he will not be able to protect the innocent and protect the law. Edward P. Jones introduces this by writing "he blinked because he knew that... middle of paper... decision." Although she is a slave herself, she does not allow herself to be involved in any of the rules or cruelty of slavery. She does not allow herself to be drawn into distorted beliefs. Alice is therefore one of the freest characters in the novel. His mind is free, his soul is free, and his physical body is freer than that of the other characters. She is bound by no forbidden love, no guilt, no power-hungry dreams. She is also not burdened by any of the other chains that others allow to control their lives. Alice is allowed to wander in the night, she is allowed to think and feel as she pleases. All because she made a choice. The answer to the question is Alice. Alice defines freedom. It is a beautiful irony that Edward P. Jones allows the reader to rediscover. No soul associated with such a corrupt society could be truly free. Freedom is such a strong word!