Twelve Years a Slave, Chapter 19 summary

What happens

1. Work on Epps’s new house brings Solomon into contact with Bass, a carpenter who openly condemns slavery.
2. After hearing Bass argue for human equality, Solomon privately reveals his history and asks for help.
3. At a secret meeting beside the bayou, Bass records the names of Solomon’s northern contacts and promises his support.
4. Bass writes three letters from Marksville, seeking evidence that Solomon is free.
5. Weeks pass without an answer, and Solomon despairs when the house is finished and Bass must leave.
6. Bass promises to return before Christmas, while Solomon keeps their plan hidden from his fellow workers.

In this chapter

What to notice

Bass separates legal authority from moral justice. His challenge to Epps helps explain why Solomon considers trusting him.

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