The Unacknowledged Legacy of 19 th Century Slave Narratives
retrieve a package for the resistance but is surprised by her commander with Moira in their hotel room . When he leaves them to take a shower , June asks for her friend ’ s help , but Moira refuses , reminding June that she is “ a prisoner and a whore ” (“ The Bridge ” 30:22-30:24 ). After Moira tells June to “ just go home and do what they say ,” June calls her friend a “ coward ” and “ liar ” for not honoring their “ pinky [ swear ]” to find Hannah . She then goes on to say , “ Do not let them grind you down . You keep your fucking shit together . You fight !” Moira replies , “ I was doing all right until I saw you again ,” and then leaves the room ( 30:30-32:15 ). Despite June ’ s call for Moira to “ fight ,” viewers see June spiral down from this moment forward , seemingly giving up on her work for both the resistance and to save her daughter . This depression is lifted quickly , though , by the receipt of the resistance ’ s package and a note from Moira , indicating she was responsible for procuring it for her . The note ’ s first line —“ Praised be , bitch ” (“ The Bridge ” 47:22 )— both reaffirms Moira ’ s commitment to June and to her own life ; it also provides June with the will to continue and the agency she needs to survive in this world as woman free in spirit if not in body . That this moment comes as a direct result of the actions of a Black woman and that this scene is immediately followed by Moira ’ s escape from Jezebel ’ s ( and the clear suggestion that she needed to kill in order for that to happen ) should not be overlooked .
For the white women in these series , the actions of their inaugural seasons culminate in a moment of rebellion . Dolores ’ s rebellion is explicit and outwardly violent , building climactically with Westworld ’ s swelling score and careful pacing . The tension begins with a tracking shot following the Hosts ’ creator , Dr . Ford , through the party in honor of his new narrative — and his retirement (“ The Bicameral Mind ” 1:23:47 ). The party ’ s rustic setting and opulence , with Hosts
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