The end of "The Passing of Grandison" is definitely unexpected. It leads readers to question the slave's rationale for delaying his escape for so long, even when he had the opportunity to do so with ease. Some people may suppose Grandison to be clever, thinking that he planned the flight all along, always outwitting his masters. I, however, reckon he may postpone his departure so that he can make the journey with his wife. In that case, the story works to reveal men's dedication to women, and the opposite sex's power over them.

The story opens with the line "When it is said that it was done to please a woman, there ought perhaps to be enough said to explain anything, for what a man will not do to please a woman is yet to be discovered." So, from the beginning, we see how men will do whatever they can to make a women happy.

Both Dick and Grandison have women in their lives that affect their decision making. Dick, who is "as lazy as the devil" needs only a mere suggestion from a female to "prompt him to the most remarkable thing he accomplished before he was twenty-five." When he wants to win the hand of Charity Lomax, he asks her, "Could you love me, Charity, if I did something heroic?" She responds that she'll consider him if he does something to prove his "quality." Because of her proposition, he decides to free a slave - a radical idea for Kentucky boy before the Civil War. Thus, Dick's actions are driven by a women's desires. Grandison, too, thinks with a woman in mind, although, he does not say it - his master, the colonel, does. While explaining to Dickwhy he shouldn't be afraid of Grandison running away the colonel says, "I reckon we can trust him...he's sweet on your mother's maid, Betty, and I 've promised to let 'em get married before long." He also promises to get him a "present, and a string of beads for Betty to wear when [he and Betty] get married in the fall" so he'll come back. Hence, Colonel support the slave's faithfullness by showing his faithfulness to a women. Surely he'll return so he can be with her.

And that's why I think Grandison waits to run away. He is dedicated to his love and will do what he can to be with her. Although he may be too stupid to initially realize freedom is better than bondage, he does know that he will be happier with his love. So when he firsts sees that Canada offers freedom, he waits to exploit it. He takes the arduous trip back home and then escapes with Betty. Love and women are worth it.