This review will focus on the film 12 Years a Slave and how it exposes the horrid enterprise of slavery, including the re-enslavement process and the generally horrid living and working conditions.. I hope to learn more about the actual events of Solomon Northup’s life as I look into the differences between the novel and the movie. Between 1619 and 1865, African-Americans had to deal with multiple injustices; socially, they were often looked down upon by white people, politically they had no say in government, and they had limited legal capabilities to assess any of these injustices in a court of law.
In this paper, I will be discussing different instances of rebellion against re-enslavement illustrated by the movie, including the groups …show more content…
In the movie, Solomon was abducted and beaten until he accepted his new name, “Platt.” His role was as the main character in the novel, and his inner willpower to remember where he came from. Besides keeping him somewhat sane and giving him a little bit of hope, remembering details about his previous life proved to be invaluable when asked the names of his family near the end. Solomon also explores the woods looking for an escape route when asked to obtain groceries. The scene that followed was a very grim scene, as a few white men prepared for and executed as Solomon stopped and passed through. Though it is sad to consider, the killings reinforced the idea of cruelty to African-Americans during this time period as well as a cinematographic change of pace from the optimistic escape to the realistic stoppage. Trying to escape was a necessity for some re-enslaved people, as earning their freedom would be nearly impossible. Lastly, Samuel Bass is the Canadian laborer who sends out the letter that eventually help set Solomon free. Beside aiding the main character, Bass also represents the part of white society that was slowly turning against slavery in all forms. The character realized that Solomon’s life is worth more to more people his own,
In this paper, I will be discussing different instances of rebellion against re-enslavement illustrated by the movie, including the groups …show more content…
In the movie, Solomon was abducted and beaten until he accepted his new name, “Platt.” His role was as the main character in the novel, and his inner willpower to remember where he came from. Besides keeping him somewhat sane and giving him a little bit of hope, remembering details about his previous life proved to be invaluable when asked the names of his family near the end. Solomon also explores the woods looking for an escape route when asked to obtain groceries. The scene that followed was a very grim scene, as a few white men prepared for and executed as Solomon stopped and passed through. Though it is sad to consider, the killings reinforced the idea of cruelty to African-Americans during this time period as well as a cinematographic change of pace from the optimistic escape to the realistic stoppage. Trying to escape was a necessity for some re-enslaved people, as earning their freedom would be nearly impossible. Lastly, Samuel Bass is the Canadian laborer who sends out the letter that eventually help set Solomon free. Beside aiding the main character, Bass also represents the part of white society that was slowly turning against slavery in all forms. The character realized that Solomon’s life is worth more to more people his own,