Analysis

Bass’ appearance on Epps’ plantation is the first real ray of light in Northup’s story. Bass represents not only hope, but more specifically the hope that the abolitionist movement offers to everyone tainted by the evils of slavery. Even more than William Ford, Bass is presented as the most honorable, faithful white man Solomon Northup meets during his slavery in the South. Bass is described as generous, kind, good, and loyal. He is intelligent and able to stand toe-to-toe in arguments with Edwin Epps, yet he is also able to avoid offending Platt’s cruel master.

Most importantly, Bass is a white man who is finally able to articulate clearly the theme that Northup has alluded to in stories throughout his memoir up to this point: the inherent dignity of all humanity. “These niggers are human beings,” Bass says in an argument with Epps, adding, “And what difference is there in the color of the soul? Pshaw! the whole system is as absurd as it is cruel.” Bass’ words are at the heart of the abolitionist argument against slavery—and the only real hope that Northup has for freedom. In this way, Bass embodies both the abolitionist ideal and Northup’s potential salvation.