Introduction
The movie “12 Years a Slave” was influenced by Solomon Northup’s novel. The book was first released in 1853, but Steve McQueen’s film adaptation did not come out until 2013. The United States, particularly the states of Louisiana and New York, served as the backdrop for the movie. The story of Solomon Northup, a free Black man who lived in the eighteenth century, being kidnapped and sold into slavery, is depicted in the film. The movie explores slavery, freedom, and the resiliency of the human spirit.
Strongest Emotional Response to the Film
Fear, anger, sadness, and despair are just a few of the many feelings in the movie. However, the most potent emotions in the film are undoubtedly the helplessness and hopelessness that Solomon and other enslaved people feel. The brutality and inhumanity of enslavement are depicted as how the enslaved have no control over their present or future. They are regarded as mere property and dictated to by their owners’ whims and fancies. The individuals experience excruciating pain and degrading treatment but never lose their humanity or dignity. Even in the face of astronomical odds, they persist in holding onto faith and working towards freedom.
Key Lessons Learned from the Movie
The film’s revelation of how brutal and dehumanizing enslavement was is among the most striking lessons. In the movie, one witnesses the beatings, torture, and forced labor Solomon and his fellow enslaved people endure while working in the scorching sun with little food or relief. Individuals observe the psychological toll that slavery has on them as they are consistently reminded of their subordinate position and denied even the most fundamental human rights. It serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during this heinous era in the history of our country.
Moreover, the film teaches people valuable lessons about the strength of the human soul and resilience. Solomon never gives up hope and pursues his goal of obtaining freedom despite the horrors he encounters. This tenacity is proof of the strength of the human soul in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Most Impactful Character
I found Patsy, an enslaved woman, to be the most memorable figure. I pity her most of all, as even though Patsy is the finest cotton picker on the Ebb plantation, she still struggles to make ends meet. Patsy was why my hatred for Lord Ebb intensified as he frequently abused her. Moreover, he despised her because of her husband, and Patsy could not change the circumstances. I prayed he would kill her when she asked Northup to do it. I could see the anguish in her eyes as she confided in him about her suffering.
Connections Between the Film and U.S. History
The movie’s allusion to United States history is found in how it portrays the atrocities of enslavement and how it affected Black Americans. Slavery is a poignant aspect of American history and has significantly affected the nation’s politics, economy, and social structure. The movie depicts the brutality and dehumanization of enslaved people during their time in captivity and the brutality and cruelty of enslavers.
In addition, it emphasizes how the American legal system backed slavery and how complicated it was. Despite being free, Northup was compelled into bondage because he could not show his position. The judicial system’s involvement in preserving the institution of slavery is also depicted in the movie, as enslavers were able to use the law to keep their control over enslaved people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the movie “12 Years a Slave” portrays the horrors of slavery and how it affects both people and society. The film emphasizes the brutality and inhumanity of slavery through the lens of Solomon Northup’s tale while also displaying the tenacity and fortitude of the human spirit. The movie urges individuals to face their past and work towards a more just and equitable future by starkly reminding them of the ongoing legacy of enslavement and the fight for racial equity. In addition, the movie encourages individuals to consider how institutions contribute to injustice and oppression by illustrating the intricate nature of the American legal system and how it backs slavery.
Bibliography
McQueen, Steve. 12 Years a Slave. New York, 2013.