Solomon and Bass make several references to slaves who look entirely white, or slave owners whose skin is as dark as their slaves. Solomon highlights that sometimes, racism doesn’t even seem to be about skin color as much as its about slave owners feeling justified in their cruelty. Since the Abolitionist Movement was strengthened by the Second Great Awakening-a Protestant revivalist movement that renewed Christians’ commitment to turning away from sin and living godly lives-Northup’s condemnation of racism as being a sin punishable by God appeals to the moral compass of his Northern readers.ġ2 Years a Slave illustrates how racism is a vehicle for human wickedness. Drawing upon his own Christian faith, he also highlights that racism, rooted in wickedness and human sin, is punishable by God.

The overarching purpose of 12 Years a Slave is to reveal the heartbreaking realities of slavery for the sake of strengthening anti-slavery attitudes and furthering the Abolitionist Movement, so Northup’s assertion that racism is manmade and a means for human brutality ties neatly into this purpose. 12 Years a Slave clearly points out that racism is a learned behavior, not an inherent understanding that people are born with. The narrative illustrates how racism is an instrument for human wickedness-a justification for a slave owner to be unrelenting, cruel, and inhumane. 12 Years a Slave grapples with the racism that fuels slavery and Solomon Northup’s suffering.

12 years a slave book