Symbols and motifs

Symbols

Solomon’s violin

Solomon’s violin is an important symbol in the film 12 Years a Slave directed by Steve McQueen. The violin symbolizes Solomon’s ties to his old life and his identity as Solomon Northup and not as Platt. While he is in Saratoga Springs, Solomon obviously enjoys playing his violin and people consider him very talented, as Mr. Moon, for example, is ready to recommend him to Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Brown who are looking for “distinguished individuals” (00:08:59). Solomon’s violin is also in many ways a symbol of his status in Saratoga Springs. He is a well-respected man, who has no reason to doubt the people around him.

Solomon is playing the violin while he is at Freeman’s house. It is quite likely that Freeman ordered him to do so to show his skills. When Eliza is carried away, screaming for her children, Solomon starts playing the violin frantically to cover up her screams. Solomon, too, has been separated from his family, so Eliza’s grief probably triggers his own. In this case,...