3. In Chapter 11 of the book, what did Solomon appreciate about the time that he spent at the Ford Plantation following his trek through the Great Pacoudrie Swamp?

4. Why did Solomon feels more like a real human being while working for Judge Turner in Chapter 14 of the book?

5. In Chapter 15 of the book, how did the slaves in Bayou Bœuf change at Christmastime?

6. Why was Samuel Bass so well-liked in and around Bayou Bœuf in Chapter 19 of the book?

7. What could cause trouble for the slaves weighing the cotton that they had picked at the plantation run by Epps in Chapter 13 of the book?

8. What type of consequences did Epps have to face for chasing the young and beautiful slave, Patsey in Chapter 16 of the book?

9. In Chapter 19 of the book, how did Samuel Bass cooperate with Solomon in terms of helping him get his freedom restored?

10. In Chapter 20 of the book, how did Samuel Bass manage to carry out his effort to help Solomon regain his freedom despite Epps' presence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Close to the end of Twelve Years a Slave, Solomon was upset about the role that Burch had played in casting him into the throes of slavery. In relation to Burch being acquitted of any wrongdoing in the matter, Solomon wrote:

“I took pains to seek him out, to confront him in a court of law, charging him with the crime of kidnapping; and the only motive that impelled me to this step, was a burning sense of the wrong he had inflicted upon me, and a desire to bring him to justice. He was acquitted, in the manner, and by such means as have been described. A human tribunal has permitted him to escape; but there is another and a higher tribunal, where false testimony will not prevail, and where I am willing, so far at least as these statements are concerned, to be judged at last.”

Define the terms, “human tribunal” and “higher tribunal” as Solomon used them in his writing. Explain what you understood the terms to mean, why they were likely to have special meaning for Solomon; whether and how either or both terms tied into a particular theme in the story — and how those connections if any, occurred.

Essay Topic 2

At the age of 33, Solomon's name was changed to "Platt" by slave trader, Theophilus Freeman. It was an unwanted name that Solomon was forced to keep during the twelve years that he was enslaved; and it nearly kept him from being located by Lawyer Henry B. Northrup as his days in slavery were about to come to an end.

Discuss whether the name, "Platt" affected Solomon throughout his life as a slave. If it affected him, explain how; and how he coped with or adjusted to having to live by "Platt" during the time of his enslavement.

If in the alternative in your estimation, the name change did not affect him, explain why that was; and how you were able to tell.

Essay Topic 3

Bayou Bœuf slave owner, William Ford was in the business of selling lumber; and Edwin Epps was in the business of selling cotton.

Explain: Between both men, who was richer? Ford? Or Epps? What made one richer than the other? The type of business that they were in? The way that they treated their help? Was one better at negotiating price than the other? Did religion play any part in one being richer than the other? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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