The quote from Sue Monk Kidd's "The Invention of Wings" compares the perception of a slave to the Holy Ghost, suggesting that a slave should be invisible and unheard, yet always present. This analogy highlights the expectation that slaves remain in the background, serving without being acknowledged or seen as individuals. It reflects the dehumanizing view prevalent in the society of that time, where the lives of slaves were overshadowed by their servitude.

This metaphor underscores the struggles faced by enslaved individuals, revealing the oppressive conditions they endured. By invoking the imagery of the Holy Ghost, Kidd emphasizes the constant, unrecognized existence of slaves in a world that refuses to fully see or value them. This powerful statement calls attention to the need for recognition and respect for the humanity and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their circumstance.