Question

Thousands would escape... but for the strong cords of affection the bind them to their friends. What is the effect of the figurative language in this passage?

Answer 1

The asnwer is "it helps the reader understand how precious friends and family are to slaves"

Answer 2

I think the figurative language in this passage is explaining that people would escape from something but people are so worried about friends and family and love them that they will stay with them to the end. So the effect of the figurative language is to explain that people escaped but not without their friends and family