He does this with a rush of verifiable details. Like David Wilson in the preface, Northup also takes great pains to establish the believability of his story, which is to come. For example, he describes his children by saying, “Their young voices were music in our ears…Their presence was my delight.” Through these kinds of memories, he becomes an “everyman” all can relate to, someone through whom we can view the slave’s experience through intimate eyes. His memories evoke warm, relatable mental images that anyone can identify with and that make him “real” for readers. Northup establishes an empathetic connection with his readers right away by sharing tender recollections of his family, his father, his education, his marriage, and his children. Chapter I of Solomon Northup’s story addresses both these necessities from the beginning. In order to do that, it was absolutely necessary for any slave narrative to establish empathy and be credible. It served as a political lobbying tool intended to sway public opinion against the practice of slavery and toward the abolitionist agenda.

The slave narrative in the 1800s was always more than just an autobiography.

They started a family, and Northup set about living a life filled with “nothing but the common hopes, and loves, and labors of an obscure colored man, making his humble progress in the world.” Anne established herself as a cook Solomon labored in various industries and became known as a fine violin player. Soon after, Solomon married Anne Hampton, eventually setting up home in Saratoga Springs, New York. He grew up working as a farmer alongside his father until Mintus died in 1829. Solomon was born free to Mintus in July 1808, in Minerva, New York. Solomon’s father, Mintus, served the white Northup family in New York until he was emancipated upon the death of his master. Northup then tells of his family history. Solomon Northup begins 12 Years a Slave by clearly stating his goal in writing: “My object is to give a candid and truthful statement of facts: to repeat the story of my life, without exaggeration…”

Twelve years a slave solomon northup