12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave

Year: 2013

Runtime: 134 min

Language: English

BiographyDramaHistory

A free man living with his family in the North, Solomon Northup is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Deep South. Stripped of his name and identity, he endures horrific conditions and faces brutal treatment while struggling to survive and maintain hope. Through perseverance and unexpected alliances, he fights to reclaim his freedom and return to his loved ones.

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Timeline – 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Trace every key event in 12 Years a Slave (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Solomon's Life in Freedom

In 1841, Solomon Northup is depicted as a free African American man living in Saratoga Springs, New York. He enjoys a happy family life as a skilled carpenter and talented fiddle player, cherishing moments with his wife and two children.

1841 Saratoga Springs, New York
2

The Deception

Solomon's life takes a tragic turn when he is deceived by two men who offer him a job as a musician. After being drugged, he awakens in chains, facing the horrifying reality of being sold into slavery.

3

Transported to New Orleans

After his capture, Solomon is transported to New Orleans, where he is stripped of his identity and renamed 'Platt.' This marks the beginning of his harrowing journey into the depths of slavery, losing all that he once held dear.

New Orleans
4

Life under William Ford

Solomon is purchased by plantation owner William Ford, who is relatively kind compared to others. Solomon's carpentry skills shine as he constructs a waterway for efficient logging transportation, earning Ford's gratitude and a gift of a violin.

5

Conflict with John Tibeats

Conflict arises when carpenter John Tibeats grows resentful of Solomon's abilities. Their relationship culminates in a physical attack against Solomon, leading to a near-lynching incident that forces Ford to sell him.

6

Sold to Edwin Epps

Solomon is sold to Edwin Epps, a cruel plantation owner who uses a misinterpretation of the Bible to justify his actions. Epps forces the enslaved individuals, including Solomon, to pick an unbearable amount of cotton under brutality.

7

Patsey's Suffering

Patsey, a fellow slave, becomes the target of Epps' obsession as she can pick an astonishing 500 pounds of cotton daily. She endures horrific sexual assault from Epps while facing jealousy-driven abuse from his wife.

8

The Cotton Blight

A devastating cotton worm blight strikes the plantation, and Epps wrongfully blames the newer slaves for the disaster. During their temporary lease to another plantation, Solomon's musical talents garner the attention of a neighboring owner.

9

Betrayal of Hope

Returning to Epps, Solomon attempts to use a coin to pay a man to send a letter to his friends in New York. Instead, he is betrayed, leading to a tragic moment where he burns the letter, extinguishing his last hope for freedom.

10

Collaboration with Bass

Solomon forms a bond with Bass, a Canadian laborer, who openly criticizes Epps' treatment of slaves. As the two navigate their dangerous surroundings, Bass becomes a key figure in Solomon's hope for liberation.

11

Epps' Punishment of Patsey

After discovering Patsey's absence, Epps punishes her severely upon her return. In a tormenting moment, he forces Solomon to whip Patsey, leaving Solomon profoundly traumatized by his inability to protect her.

12

The Plea for Help

In an act of desperation, Solomon confides in Bass about his abduction and pleads for assistance in sending a letter to Saratoga Springs. Bass's decision to aid him becomes a crucial turning point in Solomon's quest for freedom.

13

The Arrival of the Sheriff

A local sheriff, accompanied by a man from Solomon’s past, arrives at the plantation to confirm Solomon's identity. Despite Epps' fierce protests, this moment signals an impending liberation that Solomon has long awaited.

14

Liberation from Bondage

After enduring twelve grueling years of slavery, Solomon is finally liberated. This moment is filled with emotional weight as he is torn from Epps' grasp and set free to reclaim his life.

twelve years
15

Reunion with Family

Upon returning home, Solomon experiences an emotional reunion with his family. The sight of his beloved wife, daughter, and grandson fills him with warmth, reminding him of the love and life he fought to regain.

Saratoga Springs, New York

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 23:31

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12 Years a Slave Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in 12 Years a Slave

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