# How does Twelve Years a Slave develop the theme of Corruption of Power?

> Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup

## Answer

Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup develops Corruption of Power across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Slaveholders like Epps and Tibeats are depicted as morally degraded by absolute power, using violence and cruelty to dominate, while a few kind masters like Ford show that humanity can exist within the system.

The murder of a man from Natchez and the feud between Marshall and Epps illustrate how unchecked power and violence corrupt individuals and communities.

The acquittal of Burch through false testimony and legal manipulation illustrates the corruption of power within the judicial system.

## Evidence

- [xiv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/xiv.md): The murder of a man from Natchez and the feud between Marshall and Epps illustrate how unchecked power and violence corrupt individuals and communities.
- [xxii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/xxii.md): The acquittal of Burch through false testimony and legal manipulation illustrates the corruption of power within the judicial system.

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