Twelve Years a Slave

Twelve Years a Slave

Although Northup says little directly about the struggle against slavery that is preoccupying the nation in the decade before the Civil War, Twelve Years a Slave is one of the most powerful weapons in the antislavery arsenal. What makes it so?

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Last updated by jill d #170087
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In my opinion, Twelve Years a Slave is made all the more powerful based upon the fact that Northrup was not born into but thrust into slavery. Northrup, unlike those born into slavery, knew what it meant to be free. His kidnapping and subsequent slavery taught him what it meant to be held captive. Because of this, Northrup's perspective is unlike the majority of slave narratives.....

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Twelve Years a Slave