# Deception and Betrayal in Twelve Years a Slave

> Theme guide for Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup.

Solomon's kidnapping is enabled by the deceit of strangers who pose as friends, and later by the betrayal of a white man he confides in, illustrating how trust is weaponized to maintain slavery.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/ii): Brown and Hamilton feign friendship and generosity to lure Solomon into captivity, drugging him and selling him into slavery.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/iv): Eliza is deceived by Jacob Brooks, and Solomon is tricked into slavery despite being a free man.
- [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/xvi): Armsby's betrayal of Solomon's trust and Solomon's own use of lies to deflect suspicion highlight the pervasive deceit in the slave system.
- [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/xvii): Lew Cheney is described as a traitor who betrays the insurrection plot.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/themes/deception_and_betrayal
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/themes