"Twelve Years a Slave" is a memoir written by Solomon Northup, a free-born African American man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. The book chronicles Northup's experiences as a slave for twelve years in the antebellum South, primarily in Louisiana.

Northup was born in New York and was a talented musician and carpenter. He was lured to Washington, D.C. in 1841 by two men who offered him a job playing music with a circus. Once he arrived, Northup was drugged and sold into slavery.

Northup's narrative provides a detailed account of his time as a slave, including the various plantations he was forced to work on and the different owners he served under. He describes the physical and emotional abuse he endured, as well as the ways in which slaves were punished and controlled by their owners.

Northup's story also sheds light on the complex relationships between slaves and their owners, as well as the various forms of resistance and rebellion that slaves employed to survive and resist their captivity. Throughout the book, Northup's resilience and determination shine through, as he manages to maintain his sense of identity and dignity despite the dehumanizing conditions of slavery.

"Twelve Years a Slave" was published in 1853 and quickly became a bestseller, helping to fuel the abolitionist movement. The book has since become an important work in American literature and a significant historical document that sheds light on the brutal reality of slavery in the United States.

A Few Words

About the Author

Introduction

Plot Overview

Characters

Detailed Description of Characters

Complete Summary

Literary Elements

Symbols and Motifs

Critical Analysis

Critical Essay

Criticism and Admiration

Discuss Religion and Family

Discuss Slavery

Discuss Resilience of Human Spirit

Questions and Answers