He also endeavors to present himself in the most 'normal,' relatable, and humble way in order to show Northern readers just how similar to them he is.

He does this to contrast the peace, love, and independence he had while free with the fear, oppression, and trauma of his life while enslaved. Northup spends the first chapter laying out his life before he was kidnapped and enslaved. Thus far the history of my life presents nothing whatever unusual-nothing but the common hopes, and loves, and labors of an obscure colored man, making his humble progress in the world. Patsey's experiences of physical and sexual violence make her life a hopeless and painful one, and this line demonstrates how she fears that losing Northup's company and protection may mean the end for her. Northup removes her from his body and turns to leave as he walks away, Patsey asks this question. She desperately clings to him, terrified for her life and what it will become once he has left. This quote is uttered by Patsey in desperation as Northup is freed from Epps's plantation. Northup's objective in writing this narrative from the very beginning was to share the horrors of slavery as a narrative of facts. He does so by having a white man authenticate his narrative at the beginning of the book, and he ends the book with this quote, assuring the reader that what they have just read is a work of fact. Throughout the narrative, Northup attests to the truthfulness of his story. what is in the region of Red River, is truly and faithfully delineated in these pages.

12 years a slave book