What occurred had to do with Will-Sam's fellow slave at Nathaniel Francis's. While submitting to one of his owner's periodical beatings, Will had finally snapped, perpetrating what for a Negro was the gravest of deeds: he had struck Francis back. Not only that, he had struck Francis savagely enough {with a lightwood fagot wrenched from a barnyard stack} as to have broken Francis's left arm and shoulder. Then Will lit out for the woods, and had yet to be found.
In "The Confessions of Nat Turner" by William Styron, the narrative centers around Will-Sam, a slave enduring brutal treatment at the hands of his owner, Nathaniel Francis. After suffering continuous beatings, Will-Sam reaches a breaking point and retaliates against Francis, committing a serious offense by striking him back. His attack is so intense that it results in serious injuries to Francis, including a broken arm and shoulder.
Following this violent confrontation, Will-Sam flees into the woods, attempting to escape the consequences of his actions. His desperate flight represents not just an act of self-defense, but highlights the extreme oppression faced by slaves and the dire circumstances that can lead to such a drastic response. The incident serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, showcasing the struggle for autonomy and the spirit of resistance among enslaved individuals.
