12 Years A Slave (Freedom For Solomon A Miracle)

Richard Zenteno

5 Mar 201503:20

Summary

TLDRThe transcript captures an intense confrontation where a man named Solomon Northup, also known as Platt, is questioned about his true identity. Amid accusations and legal complications, another individual presents evidence proving Solomon's freedom, challenging a claim that he was purchased as a slave. Tensions rise as parties argue over Solomon's fate, with one man determined to protect him and fight for his freedom, even threatening to take the matter to court. The scene ends with urgency as Solomon is encouraged to escape quickly before further conflict ensues.

Takeaways

🧐 A conversation between two individuals, one of them being accused of using a different identity.
👤 The accused is asked if they go by the name 'Platt,' but they insist that their real name is Solomon Northup.
💼 The discussion seems to involve official business and a letter filled with accusations.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Solomon talks about his family, mentioning his wife and children by name: Margaret and Alonzo.
👰‍♀️ Solomon’s wife’s maiden name is Hampton.
🗣️ The conversation becomes more confrontational, with someone asserting their right to Solomon.
📜 A man claims he has court papers that prove ownership over Solomon.
⚖️ Another party mentions having papers that prove Solomon is free.
🐎 Someone orders a horse to be brought as they prepare to leave.
⏳ The situation escalates, and Solomon is urged to make haste as tensions rise.

Q & A

Who is the main character being questioned in the transcript?
-The main character being questioned is Solomon Northup, who is referred to as Platt by others.
What is the central accusation in this dialogue?
-The central accusation is that Solomon Northup (referred to as Platt) is being held under the claim that he is a slave, though he insists he is a free man.
What does Solomon Northup claim about his identity?
-Solomon Northup claims that his name is not Platt, but Solomon Northup, and he asserts that he is a free man.
What proof does Solomon Northup offer to support his identity?
-Solomon Northup mentions his family, including his wife, children (Margaret and Alonzo), and his wife’s maiden name, Hampton, as proof of his true identity.
Who confronts Solomon’s captor, and what does he threaten?
-An unnamed person confronts Solomon’s captor, threatening to fight for Solomon’s freedom and bankrupt the captor in court.
What legal document does Solomon’s captor claim to possess?
-Solomon’s captor claims to possess papers that prove Solomon (referred to as Platt) is a slave.
What document does the person defending Solomon claim to have?
-The person defending Solomon claims to have papers proving that Solomon is a free man.
How does Solomon’s captor respond to the confrontation?
-Solomon’s captor angrily tells the others to leave and threatens to see them again, clearly not wanting to relinquish his claim over Solomon.
What emotions are present in the conversation between the captor and Solomon?
-There is tension, anger, and desperation in the conversation, as Solomon fights for his freedom and the captor refuses to acknowledge his claims.
What is the significance of the line, 'We need to make haste' in the context of the scene?
-The line signifies urgency, likely due to the need to escape or act quickly before further legal or violent repercussions take place regarding Solomon’s freedom.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 Confrontation Regarding Identity

The speaker confronts a man named Platt, asking him to come forward and truthfully respond to accusations. He demands that Platt look him in the eye and confirm his real name, hinting at suspicions regarding his identity. Platt reveals that his true name is Solomon Northup and insists it's his official name, as the conversation shifts to official matters.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Details and Verification

The speaker interrogates Solomon further about his family. Solomon mentions his wife and children, naming his children Margaret and Alonzo, and stating that his wife’s maiden name was Hampton. He tries to prove that he is who he claims to be.

🏇 Dispute Over Solomon's Status

The conversation escalates as another man enters the scene, claiming ownership of Solomon. A tense exchange follows where one party asserts Solomon's freedom, backed by legal papers. The man who paid for Solomon insists on his ownership and expresses his intent to resolve the matter in court.

⚖️ Legal Battle and Tension

The speaker warns the opposing party about the possibility of financial ruin in the courts if they continue to pursue Solomon's ownership. Both parties prepare for a legal showdown, with one aiming to free Solomon while the other refuses to let go of his claim.

🏃‍♂️ Urgent Escape and Resolution

As the tension reaches its peak, the focus shifts to Solomon's escape. The urgency to free Solomon is clear as he is advised to make haste. A strong sense of imminent action and conflict resolution is felt as the scene wraps up with warnings and promises of future encounters.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Solomon Northup

Solomon Northup is the protagonist in this script, a free man who is wrongly enslaved. His identity is a core issue, as he repeatedly asserts that his name is Solomon Northup. The struggle to reclaim his freedom is central to the narrative, highlighting themes of injustice and identity.

💡Platt

Platt is the name Solomon Northup is forced to adopt while enslaved. This alias symbolizes the erasure of his true identity and autonomy. The conflict in the script revolves around whether Solomon is indeed Platt or if he is who he claims to be.

💡Family

Solomon mentions his wife and children, emphasizing the importance of family as a connection to his past and a symbol of the life he was torn away from. His references to his family serve as proof of his true identity and provide emotional weight to his struggle for freedom.

💡Freedom

Freedom is a central theme, as Solomon Northup is a free man who has been unlawfully enslaved. The script revolves around the efforts to prove his status and restore his freedom, reflecting the broader historical context of slavery and the legal battles that ensued.

💡Accusations

The script mentions accusations made against Solomon, reflecting the wrongful claims that led to his enslavement. These accusations underscore the injustice faced by many African Americans during the era of slavery, where false claims were often used to justify their enslavement.

💡Papers

Papers are mentioned as proof of Solomon's freedom and ownership. These legal documents are crucial in determining a person's status as either free or enslaved, emphasizing the importance of legal recognition in the fight for rights and justice.

💡McLean

McLean is a character mentioned in the script, likely representing a figure of authority or opposition. The mention of this person adds tension to the narrative, as McLean seems to have influence over Solomon's fate. He could symbolize the systemic forces working against Solomon’s freedom.

💡Identity

Identity is a recurring theme as Solomon fights to maintain his true self in the face of enslavement. The conflict over his name, whether he is Solomon or Platt, represents the broader struggle of maintaining one’s personal identity in oppressive circumstances.

💡Courthouse

The courthouse is referenced as a place where justice is either upheld or denied. In the context of the script, it symbolizes the legal system’s role in both perpetuating and resolving the injustices of slavery. It highlights the formal battle over Solomon’s freedom.

💡Hampton

Hampton is referenced as the maiden name of Solomon’s wife. This detail is important as it serves to validate Solomon’s claims about his family and true identity, providing additional proof in his effort to reclaim his freedom.

Highlights

Where's the ball? Come here, boy!

First of all, see you again, Mr. Porkman.

Received a letter compiling many accusations.

Look me in the eye, on your life, you answer me truthfully.

Have you any other name than Platt?

Solomon Northup is my name.

It’s official business, my business, your business.

Tell me of your family, Platt.

What’s your children’s name? Margaret and Alonzo.

What’s your wife’s name before marriage? I'm Hampton.

I am who I say I am.

He is Mr. Solomon Northup.

I'll fight you for him, as is your right.

I'll bankrupt you in the courts.

We need to make haste, Solomon.