Twelve Years a Slave · Chapter
XIX explained
Bass engages in a heated debate with Epps over the morality of slavery, arguing that the system is unjust and contrary to the Declaration of Independence.
What happens
Bass engages in a heated debate with Epps over the morality of slavery, arguing that the system is unjust and contrary to the Declaration of Independence. Solomon, observing Bass's character, decides to confide in him and reveals his true identity and story. Bass agrees to write letters to Solomon's friends in the North, risking his own safety to help secure Solomon's freedom.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy of American Freedom
Bass directly challenges Epps by invoking the Declaration of Independence, exposing the contradiction between the nation's founding ideals and the practice of slavery.
Brutality and Dehumanization
Epps dehumanizes slaves by comparing them to baboons, while Bass argues that the system itself reduces them to the level of brutes.
Resilience and Hope
Solomon's cautious but determined effort to confide in Bass and seek help demonstrates his enduring hope for freedom despite years of bondage.
Injustice of Slavery
Bass articulates the fundamental injustice of slavery, asserting that no law can make it right and that a reckoning will come.
Characters to notice
- Bass
Engages in a moral debate with Epps, arguing against slavery and the injustice of the system. Later agrees to help Solomon by writing letters to the North.
- Master Epps
Defends slavery with racist arguments, laughing off Bass's moral objections. Remains oblivious to Solomon's true identity.
- Solomon Northup
Cautiously reveals his true identity and story to Bass, seeking help to regain his freedom. Reflects on the danger of disclosure.
- Uncle Abram
Mentioned by Bass as an example of a slave who is no less entitled to freedom than Epps.
- James H. Burch
Referenced by Solomon as the man who taught him the danger of asserting his freedom.
- Mr. Cephas Parker
One of the recipients of Bass's letter seeking help for Solomon.
- Mr. William Perry
One of the recipients of Bass's letter seeking help for Solomon.
Key passages
“tell you what it is Epps,” said Bass, “it’s all wrong—all wrong, sir—there’s no justice nor righteousness in it. I wouldn’t own a slave if I was rich as Croesus, which I am not, as is perfectly well understood, more particularly among my creditors.”
Bass tells Epps that slavery is fundamentally unjust and that he would never own a slave, even if he were wealthy.
Bass's opening statement sets the moral tone of the debate.
“Is everything right because the law allows it? Suppose they’d pass a law taking away your liberty and making you a slave?””
Bass questions whether legality equates to morality, using the hypothetical of Epps being enslaved to illustrate the point.
Bass challenges the legal basis of slavery.
“There’s a sin, a fearful sin, resting on this nation, that will not go unpunished forever. There will be a reckoning yet—yes, Epps, there’s a day coming that will burn as an oven.”
Bass warns that the nation will face divine punishment for the sin of slavery.
A prophetic condemnation of slavery as a national sin.
“The terrible lesson Burch taught me, impressed indelibly upon my mind the danger and uselessness of asserting I was a freeman.”
Solomon reflects on how Burch's brutality taught him the extreme risk of revealing his free status.
Solomon's caution is rooted in past trauma.
“Having been born free, just across the river from you, I am certain you must know me, and I am here now a slave. I wish you to obtain free papers for me, and forward them to me at Marksville, Louisiana, Parish of Avoyelles, and oblige “ Yours , Solomon Northup .”
Solomon's letter, written by Bass, states his true identity and requests free papers to be sent to him in Louisiana.
The letter that ultimately leads to Solomon's rescue.
