Table of Contents
Introduction
The purpose of Solomon Northup’s book 12 Years a Slave was to relate an accurate history of slavery as experienced by himself in Central Louisiana. Though the book by no means justified slavery or the toleration of slavery, neither did it strongly advocate for its abolition. It confidently assumed that readers, acquainted with the facts, would make their own resolve on the matter.
Nothing should qualify an individual to become a slave. Rather an unfortunate series of events lead to Solomon Northup becoming a slave. These events qualified Solomon Northup to write such a book. His first-hand account of slavery gave him a unique perspective to which he wrote his story.
Unlike, most slaves who were born into slavery and then escaped, Solomon was never born into slavery. Solomon was born in 1808 in Minerva New York. He received a great education, learned to play the violin, got married, had children and worked various jobs in New York. He instituted himself as a person of worthy figure. But his seemingly unremarkable life was changed drastically in 1841 when he was drugged and kidnapped from his hometown by two visiting businessmen. Put in chains and robbed of any identification he was transported south to Virginia where his declarations of freedom brought only intense whippings. Beaten into compliance and shipped by sea, he was ultimately sold to a plantation owner in the bayou country of northern Louisiana where he spent the next twelve years of his life in the throes of slavery.
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Displaced from all he had known, Northup reported his story with an amazing balance of sorrow and neutrality. Despite his strong hatred of the institute of slavery, the regular beatings and his daily longing for a chance to escape, he did not hesitate to point out the frequent acts of kindness that he encountered during his time as a slave. Although he was a witness to some of the most cruel and despicable acts possible, he somehow managed to hold onto his humanity. He had an interesting viewpoint of his entire twelve years of bondage.
Northup surely has an anti-slavery agenda, but it was not so pronounced as those of other freed or escaped slaves. He connected some of the less harsh aspects of slavery, along with the cruelties he suffered and witnessed. He made sure to tell of acts of kindness from which he benefited. Solomon Northup instead of indiscriminate accusations, he gave the reader the good and evil of slavery just as he saw it. All acts of kindness were remembered with appreciation. Masters and Overseers who treated slaves kindly were recognized by Solomon. His story was packed with passionate curiosity and painful journeys, and he gave a clear understanding to the practical workings and what he sometimes referred to as the “beauties” of slavery in America.
Critical Summary
The book 12 Years a Slave was written by Solomon Northup for the sole purpose of allowing the reader to make their own judgement based upon the information given. Solomon Northup’s book contained various themes he thought would allow the reader to understand slavery in America. Taking a closer look at the book, one can see that racism, the power of music, and Christianity were important areas of focus to Solomon Northup.
The first point that Solomon Northup wanted the reader to pay attention to in 12 Years a Slave was how racism was a vesicle for human evil. Solomon emphasized that sometimes, racism did not seem to be about the color of skin, rather it was about slave owners feeling vindicated in their brutality. Solomon and Bass, a Canadian carpenter talked about slaves who were whiter than their masters and masters who were sometimes as dark in color as their slaves. An example of this was when Solomon was originally being sold to a slave dealer named James Burch, he noticed that Goodin, who was a famous slave trader, had “a complexion almost as dark as some of his own Negros” (Northup, loc. 690).
Later, while serving his cruel master Edwin Epps, Solomon met a runaway slave named Celest, who he described as being “far whiter than her owner, or any of his offspring” (Northup, loc. 2651). Bass, the Canadian carpenter who eventually helped save Solomon, expressed similar feelings, saying to Epps, “Talk about black skin, and black blood; why, how many slaves are there on this bayou as white as either of us? And what difference is there in the color of the soul? Pshaw! The whole system is absurd as it is cruel” (Northup, loc. 2908).
Even though the system of racism was ludicrous, it was the central view of Southern society at the time. The evil that was shown quite clearly in the character of Edward Epps. Epps used his slaves as a means to fulfil his own desire for violence and heartless entertainment. When Epps came home drunk, he first broke whatever he could find in his own house. “When satisfied with his amusement in the house,” (Northup, loc. 1971) he turned his ferocity upon his slaves, compelling them to run around in the yard in the middle of the night to escape the excruciating bite of his whips for the sake of his “brutal humor” At times, the drunken Epps would make his slaves wake up in the middle of the night and dance to the fast tunes played on Solomon’s fiddle. If the slaves danced slowly (regardless of their crippling fatigue), he whipped them. Solomon described the situation, writing, “Bent with excessive toil…feeling rather as if we could cast ourselves upon the earth and weep, many a night in the house of Edwin Epps have his unhappy slaves been made to dance and laugh” (Northup, loc. 1971).
As well as being used to validate human cruelty, the book suggested that racism was a behavior that was learned. Epps’ son who was ten years old, (known as Young Master Epps) copied his father’s treatment of his slaves. Epps’ son pretends to be an overseer riding in the fields, and whipped the slaves, “greatly to his father’s delight” (Northup, loc. 2830). The young child was influenced by his father to see “the black man simply as an animal, differing in no respect from any other animal, save in the gift of speech and the possession of somewhat higher instincts, and therefore, the more valuable” (Northup, loc. 2837). Later in the book, Epps explained his reasoning for thinking blacks were like animals.
When Bass, the Canadian carpenter, asked Epps what the difference was between a white man and a black man (having confidence that there was none), Epps replied, “All the difference in the world…You might as well ask what the difference is between a white man and a baboon” (Northup, loc. 2888). Looking at the influence Epps had on his son, it can only be concluded that Epps himself learned his ideas from his father or another individual who played a major role in his upbringing. Solomon also argued how his kind master William Ford, was prey to his environment saying, “The influences and associations that had always surrounded him, blinded him to the inherent wrong at the bottom of the system of Slavery…Looking though the same medium with his fathers before him, he saw things in the same light” (Northup, loc. 1031). Solomon suggested that if he had grown up in a different setting, Ford would have probably had a different stand on slavery.
The second point Solomon Northup hoped the reader would catch in his narrative, 12 Years a Slave was how music played a role in his years of servitude. Solomon Northup explained how his violin gave him short yet cherished instances of joy and relief from his horrid situations. Solomon Northup also gave credit to his violin for his physical safety. Although music was his joy in life, that too was ruined by slave owners and slave dealers.
The narrative opened up with Solomon describing how his violin had brought him joy and comfort by “beguiling my own thoughts, for many hours, from the painful contemplation of my fate” (Northup, loc.303). In his darkest hours of slavery, Solomon Northup looked to his violin like one would look to a best friend or family member for comfort. Reflecting upon his years of servitude, Solomon said, “I was indebted to my violin, my constant companion…and soother of my sorrows during years of servitude” (Northup, loc. 2131). Solomon’s violin was like a best friend who stayed in good times and bad. This could be seen when he wrote “It was my companion—the friend of my bosom—triumphing loudly when I was joyful, and uttering its soft, melodious consolations when I was sad” (Northup, loc. 2355). When he could not sleep in at night, his violin, “Would sing…a song of peace” (Northup, loc. 2357), just like a mother singing to saddened child. Solomon’s toughest master would rent him out to others because of his musical capability. This allowed him “to witness scenes of jollity and mirth” (Northup, loc. 2355), at times. Solomon also wrote being made to play music at other plantations, “Relieved me of many days’ labor in the field…and often times led me away from the presence of a hard master” (Northup, loc. 2353).
To Solomon, his music was a good part of life, but it was also used to exploit him and his fellow slaves. When Solomon was being sold, his musical ability was brought up so as to encourage those buying to pay a better price for him. In the narrative, Edward Epps used Solomon’s musical skill to torture the slaves and provide entertainment for himself. When Epps came home drunk in the middle of the night, he would make the slaves dance to the “quick-stepping tune” (Northup, loc. 1990), which Solomon played on the violin. If Solomon or the slaves did not satisfy Epps, he would whip them severely.
Solomon described how his violin and his music gave him comfort, happiness, and helped him survive. Describing how music comforted and helped him, Solomon Northup made himself relatable the white audience, through his gratefulness to music as an art. This helped to support his argument that blacks were equally as intellectual as whites. Showing how the joy of music was used to torture him, he was able to draw upon his reader’s empathy and stir a resentment towards slavery.
The third point Solomon Northup wanted the reader to grasp was the use Christianity in in the institute of slavery. Throughout the narrative 12 Years a Slave, Christianity was a source of comfort for slaves. While at the same time it was a means for owners to exploit their slaves. Solomon Northup described how the slaves and owners used Christianity and the belief God.
The theme in the narrative is that there is a loving God who cars for all people despite their race. Solomon describes how his father communicated to him and his siblings “to place our trust and confidence in Him who regards the humblest as well as the highest of his creatures” (Northup, loc. 296). William Ford was the only kind master Solomon had. Solomon said that “He pointed upwards, and with benign and cheering words addressed us as his fellow-mortals, accountable, like himself, to the Maker of us all” (Northup, loc. 1172). Bass who was a kind Canadian carpenter asked Epps, “Now, in the sight of God, what is the difference, Epps, between a white man and a black one?” (Northup, loc. 2887). What he was trying to tell Epps was that there was no difference between blacks and whites in the eyes of God. Epps son watched his father rather than trying “to comprehend, that in the eye of the Almighty there is no distinction of color” (Northup, loc. 2837).
In the narrative 12 Years a Slave, religion can provide strength, hope and comfort for slaves. When Solomon realizes that he was being sold into slavery, the first thing he does is turn to God saying, “I felt there was no trust or mercy in unfeeling man; and commending myself to the God of the oppressed, bowed my head…and wept most bitterly” (Northup, loc. 491). While being sold, Solomon asked for strength from, “To the Almighty Father of us all—the freeman and the slave—I poured forth the supplications of a broken spirit, imploring strength from on high to bear up against the burden of my troubles” (Northup, loc. 888). William Ford also used religion to help his slaves understand the reasons for certain things. Solomon describes a moment when, “He sought to inculcate in our minds…dependence upon God—setting forth the rewards promised unto those who lead an upright and prayerful life…he spoke of the loving kindness of the Creator and of the life that is to come” (Northup, loc. 1105).
The narrative also talked about how Christianity was also used to legalize slavery, and the cruelty slaves faced. An example of this is when Ford’s brother-in-law Tanner used the Bible verses to teach slaves the importance of obeying their masters. He theatrically read the verse, “And that servant which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes” (Northup, loc. 1422). Tanner explained that slaves that, “Don’t take care—that don’t obey his lord—that’s his master—…shall be beaten with many stripes” (Northup, loc. 1423). Tanner used such verses to legitimize the cruelty he inflicted upon his slaves. Frustrated, Bass asked Epps by whose right did he have the notion that keeping slaves was good. Epps said laughing, “What right! Why, I bought ‘em, and paid for ‘em” (Northup, loc. 2890). Bass tried instead to enlighten Epps that the Declaration of Independences meant that “All men [are] created free and equal” (Northup, loc. 2892), to which Epps replied, “Yes, but all men, niggers and monkeys ain’t;” (Northup, loc. 2892). Epps only saw that the God of “all men” was the God of white men.
Solomon Northup argued that God loved all his children equally and race had nothing to do with God’s love. Northup repeatedly used his Christian belief as a foundation of strength or security in the middle of his anguish. Solomon Northup used his faith God to urge his readers to abolish slavery, because it does not a line with God’s ways. Northup also attractions devotion to the means that Christianity can be inaccurate for the purpose of vindicating slavery and racism. In doing so, Northup fortifies the moral opinions of the Second Great Awakening, which was a Christian crusade happening around the time. Northup stressed, as the Second Great Awakening did, that slavery was wicked and did not follow Christianity and the word of God.
To conclude, Solomon Northup had a very interesting viewpoint from which he wrote 12 Years a Slave. Various themes were captured in the book, that Solomon wanted the reader to pay attention to. Taking a closer look at the book, slavery, the power of music, and Christianity were important areas of focus to Solomon Northup. All these themes played a major role in Solomon’s time as a slave. The narrative was well-written, in a form, the reader could understand and sympathize with.
Style and Presentation
The book was written in the first person narrative. The first person narration personalized the book, making the reader feel as though they were witnessing the events happen first hand. The way Solomon Northup wrote was that of a New Yorker. He was very talented in narrating. Chapters were not long, making them easily trace. Solomon Northup was Solomon used a foreshadowing to tell his story. The looming thought of something bad happening kept the narrative more interesting. The book also contained pictures of various moments of significance. These images gave the reader a way to visualize events that were hard to imagine happening. Solomon was also vary brilliant with his words. His description of places, people, events, and feelings made the allowed the reader to connect with him.
Conclusion
The book 12 Years a Slave, is an important historical narrative. It helped to back-up the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The description of events, life on the plantation and slave treatment in general was accurate. Historians who have read this book and researched life on southern plantations, agree in the accuracy of Solomon Northup’s narrative. Solomon Northup was able to create a larger cry for the abolishment of slavery. In the Northern states, it opened up the public’s eye about how bad slavery was in the south. Some historians question the narrative, saying that Solomon Northup was part of the conspiracy to be sold into slavery.
They say that the two businessmen who sold him, were all with him in the idea of selling him as a slave, with the intention of getting him back after the exchange was made. But evidence of such conspiracy do not show up anywhere in the narrative. This book in my opinion is a great read. It gives a better insight to the life a slave. Solomon Northup moves the reader with his narrative, with such well-crafted words and events. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good book to read, a better understanding of slavery and life on a plantation. The author, Solomon Northup accomplished what he was trying to do. He told the facts and his story as only he could. Not diverging from his goal of educating the reader of the facts, Solomon gave a well-balanced narrative of his twelve years of bondage.
Citation Page
- Northup, Solomon. Twelve Years A Slave. Dover Publications, Inc., 2014.
- Fiske, David, et al. “Authenticity and Authorship: Twelve Years a Slave.” New York Almanack, 17 Mar. 2020, newyorkalmanack.com/2019/12/authenticity-and-authorship-of-solomon-northups-12-years-a-slave/.
- Dowd, Vincent. “12 Years a Slave: Who Was Solomon Northup?” BBC News, BBC, 9 Jan. 2014, www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-25589598. McNamara, Robert. “The Real Story of Solomon Northup, Author of Twelve Years a Slave.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 30 Apr. 2019, www.thoughtco.com/solomon-northup-author-1773989.
