WATCH 12 YEARS A SLAVE select three 10 minute scenes (different from the previous week, where you looked at listening) and evaluate one 10 minute scene and focus on the Verbal Messages. Then focus on the second 10 minute scene and focus on the Non-Verbal Messages. Finally, evaluate the third scene and compare and contract Verbal Messages vs. Non-Verbal Messages. Use the following hints to help you organize your work:
Title: Analysis of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication in “12 Years a Slave”
Introduction:
In the movie “12 Years a Slave,” directed by Steve McQueen, the narrative follows the life of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film depicts the brutal reality of slavery in the United States during the mid-19th century. This analysis aims to evaluate three different 10-minute scenes from the movie, focusing on the verbal and non-verbal messages conveyed in each scene. By examining the impact and significance of these different forms of communication, we can gain insight into the characters’ emotions, power dynamics, and interpersonal relationships.
Scene 1: Verbal Messages
In the selected 10-minute scene, Solomon Northup engages in a conversation with his fellow slaves during a meal. This dialogue provides a platform for the slaves to express their experiences, hopes, and fears. The verbal messages conveyed in this scene play a critical role in highlighting the resilience, resilience, and strength of the enslaved individuals.
One significant verbal message observed in this scene is the absence of hope for a better future. Solomon initiates the conversation by asking if anyone has ever seen a free man afterward. The responses from the others reveal a sense of resignation and despair, as they express their doubts about ever regaining their freedom. This exchange underscores the immense psychological impact of their enslavement and the crushing realization that their lives have little chance for improvement.
Moreover, the dialogue reveals the slaves’ collective yearning for justice and freedom. Solomon emphasizes the importance of standing up against injustice, urging his fellow captives to maintain their human dignity despite their circumstances. The verbal messages in this scene serve not only to display the characters’ emotional state but also to reflect the broader socio-political context of slavery in America.
Scene 2: Non-Verbal Messages
In the second 10-minute scene, Patsey, a slave on the plantation, finds herself in a particularly distressing situation as she endures continuous abuse from her owner, Edwin Epps. This scene utilizes non-verbal messages to convey the power dynamics between the characters and the intense suffering Patsey experiences.
One powerful non-verbal message depicted in this scene is the physicality of the abuse. The camera focuses on Patsey’s face, capturing her expressions of pain, fear, and helplessness as Epps relentlessly whips her. Through her facial expressions and body language, the audience experiences the profound trauma endured by Patsey and the dehumanizing effect of slavery.
Furthermore, the non-verbal messages in this scene highlight the power dynamics between the characters. Epps’ towering figure and imposing posture reinforce his dominant position as the slave owner, while Patsey’s vulnerability and diminutive posture emphasize her subservience. The absence of dialogue intensifies the impact of the non-verbal messages, as the viewer is left to grapple with the raw emotions conveyed through visual cues alone.
Scene 3: Verbal vs. Non-Verbal Messages
The third 10-minute scene provides an opportunity to compare and contrast the effectiveness of verbal and non-verbal messages in communicating the characters’ experiences and desires. This scene portrays a conversation between Solomon and his temporary owner Ford, whom he believes may be sympathetic towards his plight.
The verbal messages in this scene revolve around the dynamics of power and manipulation. Solomon, aware of Ford’s potential empathy, strategically presents himself as an asset to Ford’s business operations, emphasizing his intelligence and skills. Through persuasive rhetoric, Solomon attempts to negotiate for better treatment while maintaining a facade of subservience. This highlights the role of verbal communication as a tool for survival and strategic maneuvering within a system designed to oppress.
In contrast, the non-verbal messages in this scene are few but significant. Ford’s facial expressions, particularly his fleeting moments of empathy, offer glimpses into his moral conflict. These non-verbal cues subtly reveal his inner struggle between maintaining his position as a slave owner and acknowledging the injustice of his actions. Additionally, Solomon’s controlled yet assertive body language and eye contact convey his determination and resilience despite his enslaved state.
Conclusion:
In “12 Years a Slave,” verbal and non-verbal messages serve as powerful tools for communicating the emotions, power dynamics, and interpersonal relationships within the context of slavery. By analyzing specific scenes, we uncover the profound impact of both types of messages. Verbal messages convey hope, despair, and advocacy, while non-verbal messages communicate the intensity of suffering, power dynamics, and suppressed emotions. These forms of communication collectively paint a harrowing picture of the brutal realities of slavery and shed light on the resilience and strength exhibited by those who endured it.