12 Years A Slave - Solomon gets his freedom

Summary

In this intense script, Solomon Northup, a kidnapped free man, is falsely accused of being a slave named Platt. Amidst a heated confrontation, Solomon maintains his true identity, despite his captor's insistence on the contrary. Solomon's wife's name, Ann Hampton, and his children, Margaret and Alonzo, are mentioned, adding a personal touch to his desperate struggle for freedom. The script culminates in a dramatic standoff, with Solomon's fate hanging in the balance.

Takeaways

• 🧐 A character is questioned about their true identity, specifically about whether their name is Platt or Solomon Northup.
• 📜 The character confirms that their real name is Solomon Northup, and they are asked about their family.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Solomon claims to have a wife named Ann Hampton and two children, Margaret and Alonzo.
• 📬 Another character, Mr. Parker, received a letter containing accusations, which intensifies the questioning.
• 💼 There is a mention of official business, implying some legal or authoritative process underway.
• ⚖️ The ownership of Solomon is disputed, with one character claiming to have paid for him and another showing papers proving Solomon is free.
• 🏇 A tense confrontation follows, where one character demands Solomon be returned, while the other threatens legal action.
• 💥 The tension escalates as threats of court battles and personal conflict are made between the characters.
• 🚪 Solomon is told to flee quickly, hinting at an escape or urgent need for action.
• 👀 The script concludes with the characters expecting to see each other again, leaving the outcome unresolved.

Q & A

Who is the character being referred to as 'Platt' in the transcript?

The character 'Platt' is actually Solomon Northup, a free man who has been enslaved under the false identity of 'Platt.'

What is Solomon Northup's real name and background?

Solomon Northup's real name is indeed Solomon Northup. He is a free man from New York, with a wife named Ann Hampton and two children, Margaret and Alonzo.

Why is the character referred to as 'Platt' instead of Solomon Northup?

Solomon Northup was captured and sold into slavery under the false name 'Platt,' which was used to hide his real identity as a free man.

What proof is mentioned in the transcript to support that Solomon Northup is a free man?

The transcript mentions 'papers proving he’s free,' which were likely legal documents that show Solomon Northup's rightful status as a free man.

What are the names of Solomon Northup’s family members?

Solomon Northup’s family consists of his wife, Ann Hampton, and their two children, Margaret and Alonzo.

What does the character threatening to 'fight' for Solomon imply?

This character, likely Solomon’s enslaver, is asserting his claim over Solomon and is willing to fight in court to retain him as a slave, even though Solomon has proof of his freedom.

What is the significance of the exchange 'I'll fight you for him' and 'I'll bankrupt you in the courts'?

This exchange highlights the legal conflict between Solomon’s owner, who refuses to give him up, and someone asserting that Solomon is rightfully free and willing to use legal means to prove it.

What role does 'Mr. Parker' play in the script?

The mention of 'Mr. Parker' is brief, and he might be an acquaintance or someone involved in the legal or personal aspects of Solomon's life, although his exact role is not clear.

What does the character mean by 'I paid good money for this [__] Courthouse got papers to prove it'?

The character is claiming ownership over Solomon Northup by stating that they have legal documents, likely a bill of sale or ownership papers, showing that they purchased him as a slave.

What is the emotional tone of the conversation in the transcript?

The tone is tense and confrontational, with a strong sense of injustice as Solomon Northup is trying to reclaim his identity and freedom, while others are attempting to keep him enslaved.