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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In general, how did Bass view slavery?

2. What concerned Solomon the most after Bass wrote and sent letters to those who might be able to help him regain his freedom?

3. What type of support did Bass contribute toward Solomon's quest for freedom?

4. Why was Epps upset with the slaves the morning that Lawyer Northrup and the Sheriff arrived at the plantation looking for Solomon?

5. What type of sleeping accommodations did Epps provide for his slaves?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 17, how did Lew Cheney show that he was not the leader whom he claimed to be among the slaves who were planning to escape to Mexico?

2. What type of situations involved long waiting times that Solomon had to endure in Chapter 20 of the book?

3. In Chapter 20 of the book, how did Samuel Bass manage to carry out his effort to help Solomon regain his freedom despite Epps' presence?

4. In Chapter 15 of the story, what type of festivities did the slaves in Bayou Bœuf enjoy at Christmastime?

5. In Chapter 13 of the story, how did Epps show little concern if any when Solomon fell ill?

6. In Chapter 19 of the book, how did Samuel Bass cooperate with Solomon in terms of helping him get his freedom restored?

7. Why did Solomon feels more like a real human being while working for Judge Turner in Chapter 14 of the book?

8. How did Mr. Eldret show respect for Solomon in Chapter 11 of the book?

9. How did the some of the slaves change their appearance at Christmastime in Chapter 15 of the book?

10. In Chapter 14 of the book, how did the slaves manage to add variety to the food that was available to them to eat on a daily basis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Eliza expected to be issued her emancipation papers and begin living her lifelong dream of liberty with her two children, as the husband of her young mistress, Jacob Brooks led her into Washington City. Her dream was shattered however, when Brooks unexpectedly sold her and her children to slave trader, James H. Burch.

Not long afterward, Eliza’s children were taken away from her, and were separated and sold to different slave traders. She never saw them again, and spent the rest of her days wailing, crying, and mourning the loss of her children.

Did Eliza abandon her lifelong dream of living her life in liberty after she lost her children? If yes, how was that abandonment apparent? If no, how could you tell? Did it appear that Eliza was willing to give up liberty as long as she could spend the rest of her days with her children? If yes, how was her willingness to give up her liberty apparent? If no, how could you tell? What contributed more to Eliza giving up on life: Giving up on her dream of liberty? Or losing her children? List and explain the reason(s) to support your choice.

Essay Topic 2

In Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northrup, male slave owners and dealers forced cruel and harsh punishment upon male slaves in direct ways. Punishment however, was not limited to male upon male. Acting discreetly and indirectly, female slave owners also managed to force cruel and harsh punishment upon female slaves.

Choose two women from the book whose lives included events of the type described in the preceding sentence. Who was punished? Who forced punishment upon her? How was her punishment carried out? Why was she punished? Was her punishment reasonable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 15 of the book, according to Author Solomon Northrup, during Christmastime in Bayou Bœuf, the slaves were not the only ones who showed a change in attitude. In describing a scene at the Christmas Supper hosted by one of the planters, Northrup wrote:

“White people in great numbers assemble to witness the gastronomical enjoyments”.

Also, Northrup wrote about the fact that slaves were not expected to work during Christmastime, noting that they were even given passes to visit friends in the area; and he stated that whips were not mentioned, much less used during that time.

Discuss the factor(s) that may have contributed to the change in attitude on the part of the planters toward the slaves during Christmastime. Was their attitude change based solely on the fact that it was Christmastime? If yes, how could you tell? If no, what other factor(s) contributed to the planters’ change in attitude?

Also discuss: Did the planters change their attitude toward the slaves at Christmastime because it made them feel good? Or were they making the change in attitude during that time because they knew that it made the slaves feel good? What was likely to be the planters’ reason for holding the Christmas Supper for the slaves? Gratitude or guilt? Regardless of your answer, include reason(s) to support your view.

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