Due Monday - 30 Points - This should be a 2 paragraph response.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Prompt #4 12 Years (Chapter 4)
In Chapter 4 Northrup is transferred to a pen in Richmond, Virginia. Upon meeting the owner of the pen, Mr. Goodin, Solomon makes a mistake. What is the mistake? How does Burch explain the consequences of that same mistake in the future? Lastly, explain the overall treatment of Solomon and others in this pen.
Due Monday - 30 Points - This should be a 2 paragraph response.
Slave pen in Alexandria, Virginia (loc.gov)
Due Monday - 30 Points - This should be a 2 paragraph response.
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Upon arrival in Virginia, Northup is still trying to comprehend the circumstances of his situation. His encounter with Mr. Goodin, unfortunately, does not go as planned. When Northup meets with Mr. Goodin he is asked where he has come from. Northup,not fully thinking before responding, immediately states that he has come from New York. To Northup this response is the correct one, but to Burch this is not the case. Once Northup and Burch are alone, Burch immediately confronts Northup about his response by saying that if he ever says anything about New York or about his freedom that he will kill him. Towards the end of the chapter, Northup alludes to a bitter end for Burch.
ReplyDeleteThe pen in which Northup, as well as the others are staying in, is somewhat similar to the one that Northup was in when he was in Washington, but it is somewhat larger. The overall treatment of Northup and the others is somewhat decent. The reason for this is because the better kept the slaves look the more money the slave traders get when they sell them. No man wants to buy a slave that looks unhealthy and sickly looking. Even though the treatment is not harsh, Northup is still not used to the treatment and the atmosphere that the slaves face daily.
Masters Burch and Radburn transferred Solomon and the other slaves from Williams' Slave Pen through the night to an unknown location. They were carried by steamship among barrels and boxes down the Potomac. The slaves were chained together through the whole journey with cuffs attached from a slave's right hand to another's left. They arrived in Richmond, Virginia the next afternoon and were brought to another slave pen where they would be inspected and purchased. Solomon met the owner of this slave pen, Mr Goodin. Mr Goodin asked where Solomon was from and Solomon, without thought, replied New York. Immediately, Solomon realized that his answer would get him in trouble, so he attempted to fix it by telling Mr Goodin that he had been as far north as New York, but that he was never a freeman.
ReplyDeleteMaster Burch heard what Solomon told Mr. Goodin and came after Solomon with a warning. Burch warned Solomon that if he ever mentioned his freedom or that he was from New York, Burch would kill him. Solomon apologized and said that if he had thought before he spoke he would not have said it. Solomon realized that he was going to have to play the role of a runaway slave from Georgia in order to survive in the South. In the new slave pen, Solomon met more slaves, and another man that had been once free and stolen into slavery. Again, hand cuffed to other slaves, Solomon was able to exchange stories among the slaves until they had to continue their journey deeper into the South. Burch no longer would accompany these slaves, since he was to go back to Washington. Solomon would not see Burch again until Burch's trial 12 long years later.
After a long couple of days of travel Solomon and the other slaves arrive in Richmond, Virginia. They were brought to a slave pen owned by one of Burch’s old friends, Mr. Goodin. Goodin examined Solomon and then asked where he came from. Solomon answered that he was from New York. This was his mistake. Solomon realized this and attempted to fix his mistake by saying “O, I have only been up that way a piece.” After their conversations with Goodin ended, Burch led Solomon to one of the smaller houses and had a fierce discussion with him. Burch said that if he ever heard Solomon mention New York or his freedom again he would kill him. Burch was committing a crime by selling a freeman into slavery and if he was caught the danger and penalty would be severe.
ReplyDeleteSolomon meets more slaves in the pen and they learn about each other’s histories. Eliza continues to mourn and sing to her children. They are fed pork and bread for dinner, and meet four other slaves. The pen is larger than the one in Washington, and the slaves are left alone in it for the most part. In the morning they sweep the yard and washed themselves, and then continued their journey with Goodin. They are fed and washed to maintain their value in the slave market and that is why they were treated this way. Clem Ray was ordered to stay back with Burch and go back to Washington. Goodin and his new slaves depart on a ship, and Burch and Solomon will not come face to face again for almost 12 years.
In the beginning of the chapter Northup arrives in Virginia along with the other slaves to be transferred to a friend of Burch's. This friend Mr. Goodin soon examines the slaves looking for any problems that may be brought up in auction. When asked where he came from Northup replied with New York, an error on his behalf as it implied he was once a free man and he corrected himself stating New York was simply a place he had been before arriving in Virginia. After Northup made his mistake Burch took him aside and threatened to kill him if he were to make the mistake again, after all, what Burch was doing was very illegal.
ReplyDeleteOverall, Northup and the other slaves are treated decently in the new pen. It is slightly larger than the one they were in before, they are largely left alone and they are fed well. In the morning the slaves do some chores and then are off with Goodin. It is explained that the slaves were treated relatively well so that they would keep a good value when put on sale in the market.
In the beginning of chapter four, Burch and Radburn enter the slave pen at around midnight and made everyone get up. Burch made everyone board an old boat. He did not tell any of the captives where they were going. On their way to the boat, Northup almost decides to make a break for it, but then realizes that he is handcuffed. They all walked through the streets of Washington under the cover of darkness and when they reached the steamboat, were all put into the hold with all the freight. None of the captives got any sleep that night except for the two children.
ReplyDeleteWhen they reached Virginia, Burch took all five of his slaves in a coach to Mr. Goodin's house. They were met at the door by Goodin himself. After Goodin and Burch great each other, Goodin turns to Northup and examines him, mentally taking notes. Goodin asks Northup where he came from and Northup replies he came from New York. Goodin replies in a surprised tone, and Northup, prompted by Burch's angry looks, hastily tries to amend his slip up. He tells Goodin that he had only "been up that way a peice," trying to imply that he wasn't actually from a free state, and that he had only traveled there.
Solomon is moved to a new location under the cover of night by his masters. Then finally arriving to Richmond Virginia with them other slaves, Solomon where assembled and ready to be purchased. When Solomon is asked where he is from by Mr Goodin, the owner of the slave pen, he replies that he is from New York. Realizing that his answer would get him into trouble he attempted to retract his answer and say that he has been to New York. Solomon's master Burch took Solomon aside and told him he would personally kill him if he talked of his life as a freeman again. Burch is fearful the consequences of getting caught trying to sell a freeman. Realizing his mistake, Solomon apologized to Burch and returns to the market area of the pen.
ReplyDeleteWhen Solomon joins the other slaves they soon have a dinner and he meets new slaves and they talk about their pasts. This pen is “nicer” than the last and a bit bigger in size. The food is nicer, and get to clean themselves, these were the benefits of being in the market. The masters new that they had to clean and feed their slaves if the were going to sell, so at this point the Solomon's treatment was decent, but only because his masters needed him healthy. Solomon still isn't accustomed to the treatment, and sadly it only gets worse from here.
Elijah
At the beginning of the chapter Solomon Northup was moved from his slave pen in Washington to Richmond Virginia. His captors Burch and Radburn brought him and other slaves down the Potomac to the south and an old friend, Mr Goodin. Mr Goodin asks where Solomon is from and without thinking he naturally responds that he is from New York. He quickly realizes his folly and just says hes been as far north as New York. When Master Burch heard what Solomon said about New York, freedom, and the north, he scolded Solomon in an extreme way, by threatening him with death. He then realizes he will have to play the role of an escaped slave from Georgia to stay alive.
ReplyDeleteIn the new slave pen, Solomon met more slaves, and another man that had been once free and stolen and sold into slavery. He and other slaves tell stories to pass the time moving more and more south. They are all washed up and fed under Mr Goodin to make them appear healthy and more profitable. Burch no longer goes with them because he had to go back to Washington. Solomon would not see Burch again until the slavers trial 12 years later.
At the end of a long and hard trip, Solomon, among other slaves, arrive in Virginia. They're set to be transferred to a friend of Burch's. Goodin, said friend, closely examines Solomon and proceeds to ask him several questions. One of the questions asked is the whereabouts of Solomon's origins. Impulsively, Solomon replies with "New York". Quickly realizing the error he has made, he adds that he has only been up there a couple of times. With Burch reminded that what he is doing is worthy of extreme punishment, Burch threatens to kill Solomon if he even whispers of his true situation as a free man, illegally stolen away and sold into slavery.
ReplyDeleteAfter being moved to the new pen, Solomon and the other slaves learn of each others stories. The new pen is generally in better condition than the previous. Solomon and the other slaves are treated well, to keep them in good health and in good color and stature so that they bring a higher price in the oncoming auction.
In the beginning of chapter 4, Solomon is transferred overnight from his slave pen in Washington to one in Richmond, Virginia. The new owner of this pen in Richmond is a man named Mr. Goodin. Upon his first encounter with this man, during an examination conducted by Mr. Goodin of the slaves, Solomon is asked where he is from. His answer to the question, being honest, was New York. This was not what Mr. Goodin wanted to hear because it implies that Solomon was a free man. Quick to mend his mistake, Solomon altered his response, saying that New York was a place he once visited. However, despite it working in convincing Mr. Goodin, Burch threatened to kill Solomon if he spoke once more about his future life of freedom. Solomon begins to realize that he will have to accept his new role as a slave and put his past life aside for the time being.
ReplyDeleteThe slave pen in Richmond presents Solomon with new people, other slaves, whom which he meets and learns the history of. Overall, the conditions of the pen in Richmond is of fairer quality than the one in Washington. The slaves are fed a decent meal of pork and bread, in doing so the adequate nurturing will make for healthier and more profitable slaves. Also, the pen is of a larger size than the previous one and the captives are generally left alone and are required to do several chores. Despite the slightly better conditions, Solomon is not accustomed to such treatments, as no man should be, and it is unlikely that his situation will get any better.
In chapter four Solomon is relocated to a new slave pen in Richmond, Virginia. Solomon and the other slaves were ferried down the Potomac and into the care of a man named Mr. Goodin. Goodin a friend of Burch's begins examining and questioning the new slaves. When Mr. Goodin turns to Solomon he asks where Solomon was from. Solomon provided the quick response of New York, however after he said that Solomon quickly realized his mistake. Solomon attempted to cover up his slip by saying that New York was a place he had visited. Unluckily for Solomon Burch heard the conversation and later puled him aside to talk. In his conversation with Burch Solomon was threatened with his life if he ever spoke of his freedom again. Solomon realized that to have and hope of survival he must put his history and past life behind him.
ReplyDeleteThe new pen allowed for slightly improved conditions and time for the slaves to talk to each other. Solomon and the other slaves were provided more space and better food, in an attempt to keep them healthy for their sale. The slaves and Solomon take their time in the pen to get to know each other better, Solomon learns the stories and history of many of his fellow prisoners.
In chapter four, Solomon is moved to a slave pen in Richmond Virginia along with some other slaves on a steamship. When Solomon meets Mr Goodin, the owner of his current slave pen, Mr Goodin asks him a series of questions. This is where Solomon makes his mistake. He is asked where he is from, and without any hesitation, he replied truthfully; New York. Solomon then realized the severity of his mistake, and attempted to retract his statement to change it to he had visited New York. While this conversation was occurring, Burch heard the men talking. He heard Solomon say he was from New York. Burch later threatened to kill Solomon if he ever spoke of his life of a free man or of New York ever again. This is when Solomon realized that in order to keep himself alive, he would have to accept that he is now a slave, put his past as a free man behind him and play along with his made up story of being a runaway from Georgia.
ReplyDeleteThe new slave pen that Solomon is held in during his time in Virginia is slightly bigger than the one he was previously held captive in by Burch. Within the pen, Solomon meets other slaves and they exchange stories. The slaves are even fed meat and bread to maintain their health so they could be sold for a higher price. This pen has better overall conditions than the pen that Solomon was previously in. Although the conditions are slightly better at this point for Solomon, he is not used to the terrible treatment he endures in the life of a slave.
Immediately upon his arrival in Richmond Virginia, Northup makes a mistake as he meets the owner of the new slave pen, Mr. Goodin. When Mr. Goodin asks Northup where he is from, Northup innocently replies that he is from New York. However, almost as soon as Northup comments that he is from New York, he remembers, that Burch specifically required him to never speak of his life as a freed man, or his life in New York ever again. Northup quickly catches himself after his mistake, and corrects it by telling Mr. Goodin that he had been located near New York but did not know any specific location. Later, after Northup's conversation with Mr. Goodin, Burch, calls Northup in from the slave pen, and tells him that if he ever mentions his life as a freed man or his live in New York again that he will kill him. Northup senses that Burch is very serious in his words.
ReplyDeleteWhen Northup returns to the slave pen again later in the day, he notices that most of the slaves in the pen are clean, and are well dressed. It seems to Northup that the slaves in the pen are treated in a manor such that they are kept clean and healthy but are otherwise denied much comfort or freedom. Northup describes, how Eliza, her children, and himself were taken from the pen into on of the two adjoining houses to the pen, and were closely examined for impurities and imperfections that might cause them to be insufficient workers in a plantation setting. Besides this specific occurrence, Northup, does not mention any other, brutal mistreatment of the slaves in then pen, besides that fact that they are at times chained together.
Immediately upon his arrival in Richmond Virginia, Northup makes a mistake as he meets the owner of the new slave pen, Mr. Goodin. When Mr. Goodin asks Northup where he is from, Northup innocently replies that he is from New York. However, almost as soon as Northup comments that he is from New York, he remembers, that Burch specifically required him to never speak of his life as a freed man, or his life in New York ever again. Northup quickly catches himself after his mistake, and corrects it by telling Mr. Goodin that he had been located near New York but did not know any specific location. Later, after Northup's conversation with Mr. Goodin, Burch, calls Northup in from the slave pen, and tells him that if he ever mentions his life as a freed man or his live in New York again that he will kill him. Northup senses that Burch is very serious in his words.
ReplyDeleteWhen Northup returns to the slave pen again later in the day, he notices that most of the slaves in the pen are clean, and are well dressed. It seems to Northup that the slaves in the pen are treated in a manor such that they are kept clean and healthy but are otherwise denied much comfort or freedom. Northup describes, how Eliza, her children, and himself were taken from the pen into on of the two adjoining houses to the pen, and were closely examined for impurities and imperfections that might cause them to be insufficient workers in a plantation setting. Besides this specific occurrence, Northup, does not mention any other, brutal mistreatment of the slaves in then pen, besides that fact that they are at times chained together.
As the moans of Eliza continued, so did Solomon's journey deeper into the South. After being rushed to board a boat at midnight, Northup and the other captives arrive in Richmond, Virginia, to a slave pen directed by Mr. Goodin. While Burch was presenting Solomon to Mr Goodin, Solomon is asked where came from. Instinctively, Northup makes the mistake of saying he came from New York, but after seeing the angry expression from Burch, Northup quickly corrects the situation by implying that he did not belong to a free State.
ReplyDeleteShortly after the conversation between Northup and Mr Goodin, Burch drags Northup into one of the small houses and tells him that if he is ever caught saying a word about New York or freedom, it will be the death of him.
Many of the slaves at the pen are clean, dressed nicely, and are treated better overall. The slaves are treated better at this pen in preparation of their examination to be sold.