Solomon Northup's Memoir, 12 Years A Slave

Websters definition of apologist is, “one who speaks or writes in defense of someone or something.” It also defines elide as to, “to leave out of consideration.” Two key terms to understand when talking about American antebellum slavery. One might put their soul at ease by the enduring thought that southern slaves were treated amicably; however, this is not the truth. Slave holders and their apologist of the 19th century wanted their fellow citizens to feel as though their slaves were conditioned to superior treatment and conditions. Eliding that the free black life and slavery were synonymous...This could not be portrayed more inaccurately. Ira Berlin introduces Solomon Northup's memoir, 12 Years A Slave, depicting slaves as, “cogs in a

Northup recalled the situation, “Missus don't give me soap to wash with, as she does the rest,” said Patsey “and you know why. I went over to Harriet's to get a piece,” and saying this, she drew it forth from her pocket in her dress and exhibited it to him.” Epps turned to Solomon and ordered him to drive four states into the ground. When the stakes were as he so pleased, he ordered Patsey to be stripped of all her clothes and be tied with ropes to the stakes, face down. Master Epps gave Solomon a heavy whip and ordered him to beat her. Mistress Epps watched from the piazza with her children as Solomon “Platt” was forced to beat Patsey. Epps ordered Solomon to beat her harder, and if he didn't he would be next. Solomon recalls, “Strike harder, or your turn will come next, you scoundrel,” he yelled. “Oh, mercy, massa! - oh! have mercy, do. Oh, God! pity me,” Patsey exclaimed continually, struggling fruitlessly, and the flesh quivering at every stroke.” Solomon struck Patsey approximately thirty times in hopes of pleasing Epps. He was not. Ordering Solomon to continue, he struck her ten to fifteen more times. Solomon threw down the whip, refusing to hurt

Literally the film follows the memoir verbatim in many of the scenes. There is small differences here and there about specific details; such as, the film depicts the scene of Patsey being tired to a post, not tied down to the ground. Near the end of the film, when Bass, the native of Canada was introduced. He played a much bigger role in Northup's freedom than the film showed; although, the film still gave Bass the justice he deserved in Solomon's freedom. The lack of details does not take away from the importance of his role in Solomon's life. The memoir also elaborates on the kind slave owner in the Bayou Boeuf, the beautiful, Miss Mary McCoy. Who treated her slaves with dignity and fairness. Again, withholding these details from the film did not take away from the message that was being conveyed, and that is, the overall treatment of antebellum slaves in the south. As the viewer of the film. As the reader of the memoir. They both affected me emotionally, intellectually, and physically. The film was horrific yet triumphant. Watching it brought me to tears to see humans treated in such a way. I could not fathom how the treatment of slaves was so inhumane. It was mind boggling actually. Watching the scene with Patsey physically repulsed mt to the point that I had no appetite. Watching Epps continuously beat he broken flesh was beyond disturbing. Actually, most of the film was dark