I think freedom means to be able to go wherever and do whatever you want without the threat of harm, while also living a happy life.
I’d say something that has shaped me is rules have been set by US leaders, such as Jim Crow, because even though I have not experienced such things, the repercussions of those laws still affect African Americans to this day.
This piece reflects me because I can see myself in the main character because in the story the character lost hope but near the end still strives for freedom.