12 Years a Slave · written by John Ridley and Steve McQueen · 2013

Ford gives Solomon a fiddle as thanks for his work; Solomon appreciates the gift but hears “over the years” as a reminder of his captivity.

Scene 108 of 211 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Solomon
Ford

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:04 into a 2:22 film

The story so farBefore scene 108

After being kidnapped from New York and sold into slavery, Solomon Northup uses his skills and carefully placed trust to survive and seek a way back to his family.

Scenes 1–29
Solomon lives freely in Saratoga as a husband, father, worker, and musician.
Scenes 30–65
Kidnapped and held under the imposed name Platt, Solomon must preserve his life and identity.
Scene 86
Ford takes Solomon, Harry, and Eliza from Freeman; Eliza is dragged away from Emily, committing Solomon to plantation life and its family separations.
Scene 87
Ford brings Solomon and the other captives into plantation life; Solomon must survive within a system that denies his identity.
Just before
Scene 105
Solomon sketches a water route that could reduce timber transport costs; Ford agrees to let him clear the creek despite Taydem’s doubts.
Scene 106
Under Solomon’s direction, the workers clear the creek banks and build a narrow raft, which he tests by carrying timber upstream.
Scene 107
Solomon’s successful raft arrives at the mill to the workers’ cheers and Ford’s applause, while Taydem and Tibeats resent the demonstration.
Scene 108
This scene

108INT. FORD PLANTATION/GREAT HOUSE - DAY

As we come into the scene, Ford is presenting Solomon with a fiddle. Not as grand as the one he previously owned in New York, but a fine instrument none the less. It is a gift of thanks for his hard work. Solomon's gratitude is easily expressed.

SOLOMON

My great thanks, Master Ford.

FORD

My thanks to you, and it is the

least of it. My hope is that it

brings us both much joy over the

years.

Following the statement, Solomon's not sure how to react. He remains grateful, but the thought of "over the years" is just a reminder of the altered state in which he now finds himself.