A Psycho-Thematic Reading of Solomon Northup’s Twelve Years a Slave (1853)

Abstract

The history of the United States is rampant with racism. Slavery is one form of it. Accordingly, black people were offensively, cruelly and brutally treated throughout their history in the US. Along their inferior journey, numerous African-American writers defied slavery and racism through a set of literary works, poetry and other artistic and creative tools. Thus, they responded with one of the prominent literary genre called “slave narratives”. Among their creative works is “Twelve Years a Slave” (1853) by Solomon Northup. This research work delves into Solomon Northup’s Psyche and analyses both the historical and literary facts in his story. It reflects upon all the psychological and physical aspects he experienced; from trauma, deshumanization to violence and oppression, which created a sense of otherness and revenge. Despite the disheartening and agony, his determination and willingness directed his fate to freedom.