12 Years a Slave Book and Movie Discussion Questions

12 Years a Slave is a book that I had to read for two different classes while I was in college.  Being from Louisiana and this being a part of our history, it was a natural fit for both a Louisiana History course as well as an Antebellum South course.  When the movie began production here in Louisiana last year I had hoped that the release of the movie would work with being able to do a showing along with a discussion of the book.  In November we had just that opportunity.  I took a group of faculty, staff and students to see the movie and then a week later we gathered to discuss both the text and the film.  I highly encourage you to see the film as well as read the book.  As always there are differences and similarities but that is what makes comparing and contrasting them so interesting. 

Magpie

-          Did you find yourself on edge when reading the book or viewing the movie? Why?  In a small way did if help you relate to the ongoing anxiety slaves endured?

-          Both in book and the film Brown and Hamilton are viewed as outsiders looking in as conspirators.  Why did Northup struggle to think badly of them in the narrative?  Is he naive?

-          What kept Solomon from falling into despair while living in this situation?  In the film he says he wants to live and not survive.  In the book how do we see Solomon do that?

-          Although born free how was Northup equipped with skills to be a slave because of his race and position in New York?

-          As good as Ford was heaving knowing about the work done up north being able to swim and how different he was, why not look closer into Northup’s history?  What do you think the conversation was like between Epps and Ford when it was revealed?

-          Had Solomon not experienced time as a slave would abolition have been as important for him to work towards?

-          What made Ford good and Epps bad?  In your opinion can a good slave owner exist?

-          How does gender shape the experiences of the slaves in Northup’s telling of his experience?

-          Both escape and revolt are mentioned in the narrative why were so few successful?  What factors worked against them?

-          Did you find yourself enjoying Tibeats’ beating?  Is some violence then justified?

-          Did the efforts of those like the kidnapped slave Arthur’s rescuers, the sailor John Manning, Ford, Bass, and Northup outweigh all the bad?  Do most movements of change begin with the work of a few?

-          Why Epps so hard on Patsey?  Because he loved her?  Was it a hard thing to understand so he had to break it?

-          Did Northup’s “willingness” to serve as a driver and take part in lies and beatings compromise him as a “hero”?

-          In the book and film the differences between being born free or born a slave are mentioned numerous times?  DO you think Solomon believers himself “superior”?

-           Why “flash-forward” scenes, sex, writing, and cane work at the beginning of the movie?

-          Did you feel more a part of the experience in the film because the way the story is told through experience and not in voice-over?

-          Why do you think Steve McQueen took time to show natural beauty of Louisiana?

-          Did the narrative and film have more of an impact because here in Louisiana and familiar – did it make you uncomfortable?  Guilty?

-          Why show Indians in movie when other things from the book were left out?

-          Why depict Northup hanging and not just bound?  Why leave camera shot up so long? Why show others going about their business?

-          Why not show Solomon’s escape attempt?

-          Why was the whipping scene with Patsey shot the way it was?  Not seeing back until Epps took lash?

-          Over and over McQueen puts cruelty and beauty in opposition – any that struck you?  Why?  (sex, nature, masters, human contact, slave pen in the capital)

-          P. 185 “I was in a fever of suspense whenever Bass visited Marksville, and could scarcely close my eyes until his return.”  Is this where McQueen drew the inspiration for the scene with the up-close of Northup?  Did his “stare” make you uncomfortable?  Why?  Was it a call to action?