12 Years a Slave Chapters 1-11 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

In what year was Solomon Northup rescued from bondage?

January 1853

What was the name of Solomon Northup's father?

Mintus Northup

How did Northup's father become a free man?

His owner passed away and in his will he freed all of his slaves

When was Solomon Northup born?

July 1808 Signup and view all the answers

On what date did Solomon Northup's father die?

November 22, 1829 Signup and view all the answers

What was Solomon's older brother's name?

Joseph Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'ruling passion' of Solomon's youth?

Playing the violin Signup and view all the answers

Who did Solomon marry on Christmas Day, 1829?

Anne Hampton Signup and view all the answers

In what city did Solomon Northup reside until spring of 1841?

Alden Farm; Saratoga Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of Northup's three children?

Elizabeth, Margaret, and Alonzo Signup and view all the answers

How does Solomon describe the appearance of Merill Brown?

40 yr old, short, thick-set and very intelligent, wore a black hat and coat Signup and view all the answers

How does Solomon describe the appearance of Abram Hamilton?

Little, dark brown coat and very feminine and a fancy vest Signup and view all the answers

What metropolis did Solomon hope to visit when he accepted the offer to work for Brown and Hamilton?

New York City Signup and view all the answers

Why does Solomon write his wife to tell her that he was leaving Saratoga?

Because she was out of town and he thought he would be back before she got back Signup and view all the answers

In what city does Solomon witness one of Brown and Hamilton's performances?

Albany, New York Signup and view all the answers

Why did Brown and Hamilton tell Solomon that he should procure free papers before leaving New York?

Because they were going to Washington D.C. and it was a slave state Signup and view all the answers

How long did Solomon stay while in Philadelphia?

2 days (1 night) Signup and view all the answers

At what hotel did Solomon stay while in Washington?

Gadsey Signup and view all the answers

How much money did Brown and Hamilton pay Solomon in Washington?

$43 Signup and view all the answers

What caused Solomon to start feeling ill?

The drinks (drugged him) Signup and view all the answers

What happens after Solomon is told that it was necessary to go to a physician and procure some medicine?

Passed out and woke up 'fettered' Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'fettered'?

Handcuff/chained Signup and view all the answers

How does Solomon describe James H. Bush?

5'10, looked mean and ugly; chestnut hair; 40 yrs old Signup and view all the answers

Who was Theophilus Freeman?

Slave trader from New Orleans Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'lackey'?

Helper Signup and view all the answers

Williams' slave pen where Northup was held was within the very shadow of the Capitol?

True Signup and view all the answers

To what city did Burch tell Solomon he was going to send him?

New Orleans Signup and view all the answers

Burch claimed that Northup was a runaway from which state?

Georgia Signup and view all the answers

What was (Ebenezer) Radburn's job (business)?

Slave overseer/trader Signup and view all the answers

How does Northup describe 'the paddle'?

About the size of 2 open hands and had holes in it Signup and view all the answers

What is the cat-o'-nine-tails?

A whip Signup and view all the answers

According to Northup, which was more painful, the paddle or the rope?

Rope Signup and view all the answers

Describe the meal that Radburn brings to Northup.

Shriveled pork, bread, and water Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Clemens Ray offer to Northup?

Don't talk about your freedom Signup and view all the answers

How did Burch come to own John Williams?

By trading him for a debt Signup and view all the answers

Who was Randall?

Little boy; Eliza's son Signup and view all the answers

What types of questions did Ray and Williams ask about New York?

How colored people were treated; how they could have families without anyone to oppress them Signup and view all the answers

How long did Northup remain in Williams' slave pen?

2 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Who was Emily?

8 yr old; daughter of Eliza; mixed with the old slave owner's daughter Signup and view all the answers

Who was Eliza?

Randall and Emily's mom Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of Emily's father?

Mr. Berry Signup and view all the answers

Who delivered Eliza to Burch? Why was she shocked by this?

Mr. Brooks; his son-in-law who received Eliza and kids through a divorce Signup and view all the answers

Who was absent from the plantation when Jacob Brooks betrayed Eliza?

Mr. Berry Signup and view all the answers

Before boarding the tile boat, who is Northup handcuffed to?

Clem Ray Signup and view all the answers

Why had John Williams been removed from the cell?

Had been redeemed by his master Signup and view all the answers

How does the steamboat, upon which Northup is loaded, pay tribute to the tomb of Washington? What is the irony of this gesture?

The bell tolled; the bell means freedom Signup and view all the answers

Why does Northup say that he envies the birds he sees along the river?

He wishes he could fly North to see his family Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stop the steamer makes after leaving Washington?

Aquia Creek Signup and view all the answers

What was the chief city of Virginia (in 1841)?

Richmond Signup and view all the answers

How does Northup describe Mr. Goodin?

Short, fat, dark complexion, whiskers Signup and view all the answers

Who was Robert? Where was he born?

A slave who was also born free; Cincinnati Signup and view all the answers

Why does Burch get upset when Northup tells Goodin that he has come from New York?

Because he told him not to tell anyone Signup and view all the answers

To where does Clem Ray eventually escape? How does Northup learn about this?

Canada; he stayed with Northup's brother-in-law on his way Signup and view all the answers

Onto what brig is Northup loaded in Richmond?

Orleans Signup and view all the answers

What is Northup's impression of Maria?

Ignorant and extremely vain Signup and view all the answers

What was Arthur's occupation before he was kidnapped and enslaved?

A mason by trade Signup and view all the answers

After leaving Norfolk, what appointment was given to Northup?

Superintendent of the cooking department Signup and view all the answers

How many times are slaves fed a day? At what times?

Twice, at 12 and 15 Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of Robert's death?

Small pox virus Signup and view all the answers

To whom does Northup write a letter, stating he had been kidnapped?

Henry B. Northup Signup and view all the answers

Who mailed Northup's letter?

A sailor Signup and view all the answers

What good fortune does Arthur experience when they reach the levee?

2 men went and rescued him Signup and view all the answers

How does Northup describe the appearance of Theosophist Freeman?

The personification of courage Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Northup answer when Freeman calls 'Platt' to come forward?

Because he had never been called or assigned that name Signup and view all the answers

According to Northup, at least how many slaves were being held in Freeman's slave pen?

50 Signup and view all the answers

According to Northup, how did Mr. Theophilus Freeman prepare his slaves for the sales-room?

He separated the men and women and had them separated from tallest to shortest Signup and view all the answers

What do Bob and Northup have in common?

Both played the violin Signup and view all the answers

Why did scars on a slave's back hurt their sale values?

It showed they had an attitude Signup and view all the answers

What price does Freeman place on Northup?

$1500 Signup and view all the answers

Why were David and Caroline pleased when they were sold?

Because they were not separated Signup and view all the answers

Why was Eliza so upset when Randell was sold?

She wanted to keep her children together and not separate Signup and view all the answers

Who tells Northup that he has contracted small pox?

Dr. Carr Signup and view all the answers

Why did Northup believe that he was going to die?

He was blind for 3 days and was told if he lived until 9 he should be fine Signup and view all the answers

How much is Northup eventually sold for?

$1000 Signup and view all the answers

What was Eliza sold for?

$700 Signup and view all the answers

Why won't Freeman sell Emily?

He wanted to wait and sell her for $5000 for prostitution Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the steamboat that Northup boarded when leaving New Orleans?

Roldolph Signup and view all the answers

Who is Northup's new master?

William Ford Signup and view all the answers

How does Northup describe his master?

Good Christian man; kind and gentle Signup and view all the answers

What slave name was given to Eliza?

Draddy Signup and view all the answers

How far was Ford's plantation from Lamourie?

12 miles Signup and view all the answers

Name at least three types of trees that can be found in the 'pine woods'.

White oak, chicapin, yellow pond Signup and view all the answers

Describe the appearance of William Ford's residence.

2 stories; with a piazza in front, a log kitchen, and slave cabins Signup and view all the answers

What type of work does Northup perform for most of the summer?

Chopping logs and piling lumber Signup and view all the answers

Master Ford allowed his slaves to have Bibles?

True Signup and view all the answers

Why was 'Ford's Platt' pronounced the 'smarter n' in the Pine Woods?

Made a raft to transfer lumber Signup and view all the answers

Who was Cascalla?

Chief of a tribe Signup and view all the answers

Why was William Ford forced to dispose of 18 of his slaves?

Because he was in debt Signup and view all the answers

To whom was Northup sold?

Tibets Signup and view all the answers

How much was the chattel mortgage that Ford took out on Northup?

$400 Signup and view all the answers

How far was Bayou Boeuf from the Pine Woods?

27 miles Signup and view all the answers

Upon arriving at Bayou Boeuf, who does Northup meet?

Eliza Signup and view all the answers

Why was Eliza sent to work in the fields?

She didn't please Mrs. Ford Signup and view all the answers

Who was Mr. Chapin?

Ford's overseer Signup and view all the answers

What name was given to the residence of Chapin?

Great house Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tibets want to whip Northup?

The nails he used were too big Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Tibets tries to whip Northup?

Northup fights back Signup and view all the answers

What instructions does Chapin give to Northup after Tibets departs on the road for Cheneyville?

Not to run and to not be scared Signup and view all the answers

What do Tibets and his two men intend to do with Northup?

Hang him Signup and view all the answers

How does Chapin prevent Northup from being killed?

Comes out with pistols Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Solomon Northup's Background

Solomon Northup was born in July 1808.
His father, Mintus Northup, was freed due to his owner's will upon the owner's death.
Northup's family included his wife, Anne Hampton, whom he married on Christmas Day 1829, and three children: Elizabeth, Margaret, and Alonzo.

Early Life and Career

Northup lived in Saratoga until Spring 1841, working as a free man and a violinist, his youthful passion.
His older brother was named Joseph.

Kidnapping and Enslavement

Northup was deceived by Brown and Hamilton, whom he worked for, into traveling to Washington, D.C., a slave state.
He was advised to secure free papers before leaving New York.
After arriving in Washington, Northup was drugged, captured, and later described as “fettered,” meaning he was handcuffed and chained.
He witnessed a performance in Albany, New York, before being illegally sold into slavery.

Experiences as a Slave

Northup described the cruelties of slavery, including the paddle and the cat-o'-nine-tails as tools of punishment.
He encountered fellow slaves, including Elmira, the daughter of Eliza, and Randall, Eliza's son.
Northup spent two weeks in Williams' slave pen before being sold for $1,000.
Eliza, Northup's fellow slave, was distraught when her son Randell was sold, showcasing the emotional toll of slavery.

Masters and Life on Plantations

Northup's first master was William Ford, described as a kind and good Christian man.
Work included chopping logs, and he later became the superintendent of the cooking department.
Ford's plantation was noted for its specific tree types, including white oaks and yellow ponds.
Northup was sold to Tibets due to Ford's debt and came into conflict with Tibets and his overseers.

Escape and Rescue Efforts

Northup put himself at risk, fighting back against abusive overseers and defying orders to not fear or run.
A letter written to Henry B. Northup led to a rescue effort, where two men eventually freed him.
Clem Ray, Northup's confidant, successfully escaped to Canada, further demonstrating the dangers faced by free blacks and enslaved individuals.

Denial of Identity and Struggles

Northup struggled with his identity as he was called "Platt," a name he refused to respond to because it was not his true name.
Over 50 slaves were held in Theophilus Freeman's slave pen, where Northup experienced the grim reality of the slave market.

Historical Context of Slavery

The narrative describes the emotional and physical struggles of slaves and addresses legal constraints and economic exploitation during the era.
The classification of slaves by value and their treatment reflected the broader systemic issues of slavery, emphasizing the lack of human rights and dignity.

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Test your knowledge of the first eleven chapters of '12 Years a Slave' with these flashcards. Explore key dates, names, and events that shaped Solomon Northup's life and experiences. Ideal for students or anyone interested in American history and literature.