12 Years a Slave: The Historical Significance of the Movie

Using critics and a close reading of specific scenes, evaluate the movie “12 Years a Slave”.

How does the movie “12 Years a Slave” reinvigorate the debate about the historical significance of slavery in this country? For example, one critic points out that Solomon Northrup’s status as a free black man—before being kidnapped and sold into slavery—gives his character a unique perspective. Using specific characters and scenes, explain what you think the movie has to teach us about slavery and the people caught up in it.