Final answer:
The main theme of 'Runagate, Runagate' is the pursuit of freedom, highlighting the relentless struggle for emancipation and the heroism of figures like Harriet Tubman in guiding slaves to liberty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main theme of the poem 'Runagate, Runagate' revolves around the pursuit of freedom. It describes the experiences of African Americans escaping from the chains of slavery, drawing a vivid picture of both the physical and psychological journeys to liberation. The poem echoes the sentiments expressed in historical accounts of courageous figures like Harriet Tubman, who symbolizes strength and the relentless drive toward freedom. Tubman's repeated missions to guide other slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad characterize both the theme of escape and the wider pursuit of emancipation. This pursuit transcends the physical flight to the North, encapsulating the broader yearning for liberty and equality—a core aspect of the American historical narrative—as reflected in the cries for liberty in the literature and work songs passed down among generations.