Northup describes some of these cases in various chapters of 12 Years a Slave, namely chapters eight, fourteen, and nineteen. The first example of resistance to slavery in 12 Years a Slave is featured in chapter eight. At this point in the novel, Northup (now named “Platt”) is a slave under plantation owner William Ford. Platt had proved himself to Ford as a good worker, and built somewhat of a relation with him. Platt considers Ford one of the “better” slave owners, as he was a noble, Christian man. But Ford gets into a bit of financial trouble and ends up selling Platt to John M. Tibeats, Ford’s carpenter. Under Tibeats, Platt works relentlessly to many unreasonable demands. Tibeats is also a very abusive master, as he tries to kill Platt more than once. In one of these events, Platt’s first major resistance to slavery is seen. Platt and Tibeats get into a confrontation, and Platt overpowers Tibeats when he tries to whip him. Northup wrote, “Before the blow descended, however, I had caught him by the collar of the coat, and drawn him
Northup describes some of these cases in various chapters of 12 Years a Slave, namely chapters eight, fourteen, and nineteen. The first example of resistance to slavery in 12 Years a Slave is featured in chapter eight. At this point in the novel, Northup (now named “Platt”) is a slave under plantation owner William Ford. Platt had proved himself to Ford as a good worker, and built somewhat of a relation with him. Platt considers Ford one of the “better” slave owners, as he was a noble, Christian man. But Ford gets into a bit of financial trouble and ends up selling Platt to John M. Tibeats, Ford’s carpenter. Under Tibeats, Platt works relentlessly to many unreasonable demands. Tibeats is also a very abusive master, as he tries to kill Platt more than once. In one of these events, Platt’s first major resistance to slavery is seen. Platt and Tibeats get into a confrontation, and Platt overpowers Tibeats when he tries to whip him. Northup wrote, “Before the blow descended, however, I had caught him by the collar of the coat, and drawn him