How Did Solomon Northup Retell The Real Life Experience Of 12 Years A Slave?

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12 Years a Slave retells the real life experience of Solomon Northup who was kidnapped and would be a slave for 12 grim years. Solomon Northup was a free African American man from Saratoga Springs, New York. His father, Mintus Northup, was born into slavery to the Northup family. Henry Northup would free Solomon’s father, and as a means of respect, Solomon’s father adopted the surname, Northup. Solomon and the Northup family remained good friends. Growing up, Solomon had gotten a good education, and he also loved playing the violin. At 21 years old, he married his wife Anne, and they would have three kids together. Solomon would work many different jobs, including being a carpenter, a construction worker for the railroad, and working at the United States Hotel when it was busy. He would also work many side jobs, including playing the violin, to earn extra money. It was in March of 1841, …show more content…

Solomon describes Epps as a brutal man who would torment his slaves daily. While working for Epps, Solomon meets another slave named Patsey, who he describes as beautiful and strong-spirited. Patsey would face terrible abuse by Epps and his wife; Epps would frequently rape and whip Patsey. The slaves at Epps plantation rarely got breaks and would only get one day off during Christmas time. While at Epps plantation, Solomon is able to get a sheet of paper and is able to write a letter to his family, but unable to send it out on his own, he asks a plantation overseer at a nearby plantation to send it. Epps would find out about this and questions Solomon, to which he denies trying to send any letter. Epps would take the letter and throw it into the fire; Solomon’s hope of rescue is instantly crushed. Sometime later, Solomon befriends a carpenter working at Epps’ Plantation named Samuel Bass. Bass would help Solomon send a letter to his family in New