Throughout, Northup uses several powerful themes, like the struggle to maintain one’s identity, and some memorable symbols, like the whip and cotton, to accurately convey his experiences. The writing style is also incredibly powerful, making it impossible to forget the author’s struggle for survival.
Themes
There are a few powerful themes in this novel. They include:
- Dehumanization
- Struggle for Identity and Freedom
- Survival
Dehumanization
The novel focuses on a wide variety of themes, one of which is dehumanization. Northup narrates the physical and emotional suffering endured by himself and his fellow slaves, highlighting the brutality and inhumanity of the institution. Northup details the cruelty, abuse, and loss of dignity experienced by slaves, shedding light on the unjust treatment they faced on a daily basis.
He describes the physical punishments, such as whippings and beatings, inflicted by cruel overseers and masters as a means of control and punishment. The constant fear of violence and the ever-present threat of family separation through slave auctions create an environment of terror and despair.
Struggle for Identity and Freedom
A significant theme in Solomon Northup’s book is the struggle to keep one’s identity and find freedom. Prior to being kidnapped and enslaved, Northup had a distinct identity as a free man, a loving husband, and a father. However, his enslavement forcibly separates him from his family and attempts to erase his identity. Throughout the narrative, Northup fights to maintain his sense of self and continually seeks opportunities to regain his freedom.
Survival
Survival is one of the most important themes found in the novel. The author demonstrates what he, and others had to do in order to survive while facing unimaginable hardships. Yet, the book’s characters find ways to endure and maintain their humanity.
The autobiography showcases the strength of the human spirit even in the most oppressive circumstances. It demonstrates the perseverance of individuals determined to survive and ultimately triumph over adversity.
Key Moments
- Solomon is tricked, drugged, and kidnapped into slavery from Washington, D.C.
- He is sold to a man in New Orleans, named William Form and Solomon is given the name “Platt.”
- He sells Solomon to Edwin Epps, a brutal plantation owner.
- Solomon is leased to Judge Turner after Epps’ cotton fails.
- Solom convinces a former overseer to mail a letter to Saratoga for him.
- Armsby betrays Solomon.
- Solomon meets Bass, and he delivers his letter to Saratoga.
- The Sheriff proves that “Platt” is a fake name and that Solomon is from the North.
- Solomon returns to his family and finds his wife remarried. He sits down to write his memoir, Twelve Years a Slave.
Tone and Style
Throughout this novel, the author uses a somber, poignant, and often melancholic tone that fits the content of the book. The tone reflects the deep emotional impact of his enslavement. Despite the bleakness, there are also moments of resilience and determination, which add touches of hope and strength to the narrative.
He uses an introspective writing style throughout as well. He demonstrates his dignity and ability to articulate the complexities of his experience. The narrative style of ‘Twelve Years a Slave’ is a first-person autobiographical account.
Northup’s storytelling is both engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the injustices and horrors of slavery while highlighting the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Symbols
Here are three important symbols in the novel:
Fiddle/Violin
The fiddle is a poignant symbol of Solomon Northup’s identity and humanity. As a free man before his enslavement, Northup was a talented and respected musician known for his skill with the fiddle.
Throughout his twelve years as a slave, the fiddle serves as a reminder of his past life, his talents, and the autonomy he once possessed. When he is forced to play the fiddle for his masters and fellow slaves, it becomes a bittersweet symbol of both his artistry and the cruel devaluation of his identity.
The Whip
The whip is a harrowing symbol in the novel. It represents the brutal and dehumanizing nature of slavery. The whip is used as a means of inflicting physical pain and punishment on enslaved individuals. The crack of the whip and the agonizing lashes on their bodies serve as a constant reminder of the oppressive power wielded by the slave owners.
Whippings are employed to suppress any signs of resistance, instilling fear in the hearts of the enslaved and deterring them from asserting their rights or seeking freedom.
Cotton
Cotton serves as a complex symbol throughout the novel. It manages to represent both the backbone of the Southern economy and the source of immense suffering for enslaved individuals.
The backbreaking labor involved in cultivating cotton mirrors the inhumane treatment of slaves who toiled endlessly under the oppressive heat. The cotton fields become a physical embodiment of the cruel institution of slavery, where human beings are reduced to expendable laborers, and their pain and suffering are overshadowed by the economic prosperity it brings to their oppressors.
FAQs
How does the novel portray the horrors of slavery?
The novel vividly portrays the horrors of slavery through detailed descriptions of physical and psychological abuse, family separation, and the denial of basic human rights. It exposes the dehumanizing effects of slavery and the cruelty inflicted upon enslaved individuals by their owners and overseers.
How does Solomon Northup’s identity change throughout the novel?
Before his enslavement, Solomon Northup had a secure identity as a free man, a skilled musician, and a loving family man. However, slavery forcibly strips him of his name, family, and autonomy.
How does the tone of the novel contribute to its impact?
It creates a sense of despair and hopelessness and showcases moments of resilience and determination. The tone enhances the narrative’s authenticity and the realities of slavery.
Why is ‘Twelve Years a Slave’ considered an important work of historical literature?
It is regarded as an essential work of historical literature because it offers a firsthand account of the horrors of slavery from the perspective of someone who experienced it.
