# What Hypocrisy of American Freedom means in Twelve Years a Slave

> The book contrasts the ideals of liberty in the Declaration of Independence and northern free states with the reality of chattel slavery, exposing the nation's moral contradiction through characters like Bass who argue for abolition.

## Explanation

The book contrasts the ideals of liberty in the Declaration of Independence and northern free states with the reality of chattel slavery, exposing the nation's moral contradiction through characters like Bass who argue for abolition.

By linking Northup's story to Stowe's work, the dedication highlights the contradiction between American ideals of liberty and the reality of chattel slavery.

The epigraph directly challenges the contradiction of a 'freeman' ruling as a despot over slaves, highlighting the hypocrisy of claiming freedom in a slaveholding society.

Solomon contrasts his birthright as a free man in a free state with the reality of being kidnapped and sold into slavery, highlighting the contradiction between American ideals and the institution of slavery.

Solomon, a free man, is kidnapped in the nation's capital, highlighting the contradiction between American ideals and the reality of slavery.

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