# XXI explained — Twelve Years a Slave

> Chapter companion for Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup.

## What happens

The letter written by Bass reaches Saratoga and is forwarded to Anne, who with her children seeks help from Henry B. Northup. Legal proceedings under a New York statute are initiated, and Henry B. Northup is appointed as agent to secure Solomon's restoration. He travels to Louisiana, meets with Bass to confirm the details, and legal papers are prepared. The sheriff and Henry B. Northup ride to Epps' plantation, where Solomon is identified and informed of his impending rescue. Epps reacts with anger and threats, while the other slaves express amazement and hope.

## Themes in this chapter

### Quest for Freedom

Solomon's long-hidden identity is finally revealed, and legal steps are taken to secure his liberty.

### Hypocrisy of American Freedom

Despite being a free citizen of New York, Solomon was enslaved for twelve years; the legal system is only now intervening.

### Resilience and Hope

Solomon's family and allies persist in their efforts, and the arrival of Henry B. Northup brings hope of rescue.

## Character check-ins

### Solomon Northup

The enslaved protagonist, known as Platt, who is finally identified and informed of his rescue.

### Bass

The carpenter who wrote the letter that initiated Solomon's rescue; meets with Henry B. Northup and provides a map to Epps' plantation.

### Henry B. Northup

The agent appointed by the governor to secure Solomon's restoration; travels to Louisiana and orchestrates the legal proceedings.

### Master Epps

Solomon's current owner, who reacts with anger and threats upon learning of the rescue attempt.

### Mistress Epps

Expresses regret at losing Solomon and says she would rather lose any other servant.

### Aunt Phebe

A fellow slave who excitedly whispers to Solomon about the men coming to free him.

### Anne Northup

Solomon's wife, who receives the letter and initiates the legal process by contacting Henry B. Northup.

## Key lines

> I am the man who wrote the letter. If you have come to rescue Solomon Northup, I am glad to see you.

Bass admits he wrote the letter and expresses willingness to help rescue Solomon.

_Bass confirms his role in the rescue effort._

> Through the thick, black cloud, amid whose dark and dismal shadows I had walked twelve years, broke the star that was to light me back to liberty.

After twelve years of enslavement, hope for freedom finally appears.

_Solomon describes the moment of hope._

> Master Epps, you did not take the trouble to ask me; besides, I told one of my owners—the man that kidnapped me—that I was free, and was whipped almost to death for it.

Solomon explains to Epps that he was never asked about his free status and was punished for revealing it before.

_Solomon defends his silence about his free identity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/xxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters