How does the author compare and contrast slaves with their masters in the novel, Washington City Is Burning?

Robinet effectively contrasts slaves and masters. For example, she describes the fashions, furnishings, and cuisine of the White House occupants. Robinet describes the "grand White House staircase railing" over which Virginia tosses pantaloons, shirts, jackets, gowns, turbans, men's, women's, and children's shoes, children's pantalets and dresses. The slaves bathe, dress, and feast on veal, ham, chicken, cabbage, sweet potatoes, corn bread, pears, apples, and berries. As Virginia notices, "Our white masters and guests had need of many clothes; each slave desired but one outfit to ride proudly into liberty."