In the novel Dana is a writer, she moved to her new house with her husband and also attended university courses before. In Rufus' time this would have been completely inappropriate and would have caused a lot of problems for both of them. During the 1970s the school became largely integrated, meaning that both blacks and whites could attend school together. In Rufus' time this could result in people being killed or severely punished. In his day, it was illegal for black slaves to receive an education. In the novel Dana is beaten because she has a book in the kitchen. Not only that, but people didn't like the fact that she was educated, not even slaves; they believe she was trying to be white. As a matter of fact, Dana is not respected by Tom and Margaret Weylin, they don't like the fact that she is smart compared to them. For example, when Rufus wants Dana to read to him and his mother, Margaret tries to distract him and stop Dana from reading (Butler 103). Also, Rufus told Dana that her parents are jealous of her because she could read better than them. Dana then considers the fact that in their time girls were not always allowed to attend school for a long period of time, which explains why Margaret Weylin is not as educated. In addition to that, in the 1800s, girls were not afforded many of the same opportunities as men. Most girls spend less time in school because they believe that one day they will become wives and will need to take care of the house. In 1851 the literacy rate was still only 55% compared to almost 70% the previous year