"0adbd234f9cdde59e282f9b569bd12349c63a7761e78dad54902c142e29997f03"

"WHERE WILL YOU FIND To make my fortune, of course. I gave in to tales of wealth and prosperity that were the lore of the southern states: all that's needed being a patch of land and a few good growing seasons. Cotton, or tobacco. And then locating a proper bank to store your riches. But such profitable outcomes are reserved for the plantation masters. It's the lot of the rest of us to serve. So I settled to be an overseer, and failed as well at that. In the meantime my dreams gave way to reality. Now, I want nothing more than to earn a decent wage. And get myself home.\nArmsby takes another drink and leans back.\nARMSBY\nOh, to be a nigger. Not a concern in the world and every need taken care off. Consider yourself fortunate, Platt. It's the plight of the white to worry.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACKS - MORNING\nWe again hear the sound of the HORN BLOWING signaling the start of the work day for the slave.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - DAY\nWith the sun yet again high in the sky the slaves are working the field picking cotton. As before they sing a spiritual, the only thing that distracts them from the tedium at hand.\nBut there is no distracting from the heat. We see Uncle Abram begin to falter and finally drop down to the ground.\nTreach calls to Edward:\nTREACH\nGet him water.\nEdward runs to fetch water which he carries to Abram and DUMPS ON HIM BUT ABRAM DOES NOT RISE. DOES NOT MOVE.\nAt this point, the sounds of the singing from the others tapers off as they realize Abram isn't getting up.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - LATER\nWe are beyond the main of the plantation, the cotton field in the background. Solomon, Bob and Wiley are digging a grave in the dirt. The uncovered body of Abram lays near. Having dug down an appropriate distance, the three men take the body and, very unceremoniously, place it into the ground. That done, they begin to cover it with dirt. It is all the more of a funeral that Abram will receive.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - EVENING\nAs always, the day's pickings are again being weighed.\nTREACH\nOne hundred sixty pounds for Wiley.\nClearly displeased, Epps pulls Wiley from the line.\nEPPS\nPlatt?\nTREACH\nEighty eight pounds for Platt.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEpps moves to Solomon. As way of explanation but with defiance:\nSOLOMON\nWe buried Abram today --\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - LATER\nWE MAKE A QUICK CUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE GIN HOUSE. The reason for their low totals obviously doesn't matter as Solomon, Bob and Wiley receive a lashing for their lack of productivity.\nAs the last lash falls on his back, Epps moves directly to Solomon.\nEPPS\nYou are a disgrace. Unfit ta associate with a decent cotton-pickin' nigger. The Lord don't ignore even the lowest of his animals. But the Almighty hold you in such low regard He give you no skills. None. How miserable your shabbiness must be.\nbeat\nGet yerself clean. We dance tonight.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon lays down, but can't rest. The harshness of this life has mounted to the point he can take no more. He gets up, he goes to RETRIEVE THE SMALL SACK IN WHICH HE KEEPS HIS EARNINGS AS WELL AS HIS LETTER. But thinking better of it, Solomon returns the letter to hiding. He takes the money with him and cautiously moves from the cabin.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nSolomon is heading through the darkness toward another small cabin on the property. There is the light of the lantern in the window. Solomon steels himself, knocks on the door. From inside we hear:\nARMSBY (V.O.)\nEnter.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - ARMSBY'S SHACK - LATER\nThe door opens. Solomon enters. Armsby is surprised to see him. So much so, he isn't sure what greeting to give. Solomon gives a blunt introduction. Re: the coins:\nSOLOMON\nThe proceeds of my fiddling performances. A few picayunes, but all I have in the world. I promise them to you if you will do me the favor I require. But I beg you not to expose me if you cannot grant the request.\nARMSBY\nWhat is it you ask?\nSOLOMON\nFirst, your word, sir.\nARMSBY\nOn my honor.\nSOLOMON\nIt is a simple enough request. I ask only that you deposit a letter in the Marksville post office. And that you keep the action an inviolable secret forever. The details of the letter are of no consequence. Even at that, for me to write it would be a self-imposition of much pain and suffering.\nARMSBY\nWhere's the letter now?\nSOLOMON\nIt is not yet composed. I will have it in a day. Two at most.\nArmsby considers the request.\nARMSBY\nI will do as you ask. And will accept whatever payment is offered.\nSolomon hesitates. In the moment, he's not so sure he can wholly give himself over to trust.\nARMSBY\nTo assist you, I put my own self at risk. I will do so, but not without fair compensation.\nSolomon hands over the money.\nARMSBY\nCompose your letter. We will meet again. In two days?\nSOLOMON\nIn two days. Thank you.\nSolomon exits.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon rests but does not sleep. He has set himself on a course, one from which there is no departure.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - COTTON FIELD - DAY\nSolomon and the slaves pick cotton. Armsby is conspicuously NOT laboring in the field. As Solomon works he is watched by Epps. Watched more than he normally is. For a moment it seems it might just be a matter of perspective; Solomon's unease over his actions.\nBut soon Epps is joined by Armsby. The two men stand and talk, their looks locked toward Solomon.\nWhatever it is that is occurring between them continues for a long, long moment. But Epps makes no move toward Solomon. Solomon continues with his work.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nThe slaves are at rests. Gripping his whip Epps enters, without so much as a knock at the door. For a moment there's curiosity; is he there for a dance, for Patsey?\nLooking right to Solomon:\nEPPS\nGet up.\nPlanks of wood are being delivered and unloaded.\nSolomon does. Epps heads back out into the dark. He says nothing, but his directive is clear: Follow me.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - CONTINUOUS\nSolomon comes out into the dark. Nearly hidden in the shadows is a bitter Epps. Despite the lack of light, Epps's malevolence is quite clear. His whip twisting in his hand.\nEPPS\nWell, boy. I understand I've got a larned nigger that writes letters and tries to get white fellows to mail 'em.\nSolomon, hardly missing a beat, plays this off.\nSOLOMON\nDon't know nothing about it, Master Epps. Don't know nothing about it, sir.\nEPPS\nYah wasn't over with Armsby night before last?\nSOLOMON\nNo, master.\nEPPS\nHav'nt yah asked that fella to mail a letter fer yah at Marksville?\nWithout overplaying things, Solomon gets real slick.\nSOLOMON\nWhy, Lord, master, I never spoke but three words to him in all my life. I don't know what you mean.\nEPPS\nWell, Armsby tol' me today the devil was among my niggers. That I had one that needed close watchin' or he would run away. When I axed him why, he said you come over to him and waked him up in the middle of the night and wanted him to carry a letter to Marksville. What have yah got to say to that?\nSOLOMON\nAll I have to say, master, is all that need be said. There is no truth in it. How could I write a letter without ink or paper? There is nobody I want to write to 'cause I hain't got no friends living as I know of. That Armsby is a lying drunken fellow, they say, and nobody believes him anyway. You know I always tell the truth, and that I never go off the plantation without your given word. Now, master, I can see what that Armsby is after, plain enough. Didn't he want you to hire him for an overseer?\nEPPS\nYes.\nSOLOMON\nThat's it. He wants to make you believe we're all going to run away and then he thinks you'll hire an overseer to watch us. He just made that story out of whole cloth, 'cause he wants to get a situation. It's all a lie, master, you may depend on't.\nEpps shallow mind is so easily manipulated Solomon is able to work it as though he were performing origami. We can nearly see Epps's thoughts being folded.\nEPPS\nI'm damned, Platt, if I don't believe you tell the truth. He must take me for a soft, to think he can come it over me with them kind of yarns, musn't he? Maybe he think he can fool me. Maybe he thinks I don't know nothing -- Can't take care of my own niggers. Soft soap old Epps. Damn Armsby! Set the dogs on him, Platt. That filthy unloved bastard. He will not separate me from my niggers. I will drive him from my land before the sun comes over it. Ohh, were he not free and white, Platt. Were he not free and white.\nSolomon Northup is my name.\nEpps heads off to do as promised.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - NIGHT\nHaving found a lonely spot, Solomon has struck a small fire. He has in his hand his letter. With no ceremony, he casts it upon the flames and watches it burn.\nBLACK\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - DAY\nIt's the Sabbath. The slaves are left to themselves to do their own chores. At the moment they are down by the river washing their clothes in the water. Missing from the field of labor is Patsey, for whom Epps hollers.\nEPPS\nPatsey -- Patsey!\nEpps comes down to the bank and asks of the slaves:\nEPPS\nWhere is she? Where is Patsey?\nNo one answers.\nEPPS\nTalk, Damn you!\nPHEBE\nWe have no knowledge of her, Massa.\nEPPS\nThe hell you don't! You know where she is! She run off, ain't she? She's escaped, and you miserable black dogs stand like the deef and dumb. My best cotton picking nigger! My best. I'd give yah all up for her. Where she gone?\nNot a word spoken. Epps wades in and among the slaves and begins to whip at them recklessly.\nEPPS\nSpeak! Speak!\nThe slaves say nothing. There is nothing for them to say. They don't know where she is. Eventually Epps slows, then stops. He drops down in great sorrow.\nEPPS\nShe run off -- Pats run off.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nEpps sits on the piazza looking quite forlorn. He looks up only to see Patsey returning to the plantation. Epps steps up to greet her, with anger rather than relief.\nAs they hear his angry voice, the slaves step around from where they are hanging their laundry to dry.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEPPS\nRun off. Run off, did you?\nPATSEY\nMassa Epps--\nEPPS\nYou miserable wench! Where you been?\nPATSEY\nI been nowhere.\nEPPS\nLies to your misdeeds!\nPATSEY\nThe Sabbath day, Massa. I took me a walk to commune wit da Lord.\nEPPS\nBring the Lord into yer deceptions? Yah Godless... Shaw's. Comin' from Shaw's plantation weren't yah?\nPATSEY\nNo --\nEPPS\nYah didn't run, did yah? Yah took yerself ta pleasure Shaw. Yah gave baser passion to that unblushin' libertine!\nSolomon tries to intervene:\nSOLOMON\nMaster Epps--\nEPPS\nNow yah speak? Now that yah want to add to 'er lies yah find yer tongue.\nEpps goes to strike Solomon, but Patsey pulls his arm back.\nPATSEY\nDo not strike him. I went to Massa Shaw's plantation!\nEPPS\nYah admit it.\nPATSEY\nFreely. And you know why.\nPatsey takes soap from the pocket of her dress.\nPATSEY\nI got this from Mistress Shaw. Misstress Epps won't even grant me no soap ta clean with. Stink so much I make myself gag. Five hundred pounds 'a cotton day in, day out. More than any man here. And 'fo that I will be clean; that all I ax. Dis here what I went to Shaw's 'fo.\nEPPS\nYou lie --\nPATSEY\nThe Lord knows that's all.\nEPPS\nYou lie!\nPATSEY\nAnd you blind wit yer own covetousness. I don't lie, Massa. If you kill me, I'll stick ta that.\nEPPS\nOh, I'll fetch you down. I'll learn you to go to Shaw's. Platt, run get four stakes and straps a leather.\nAt first Solomon does not move. Epps level all his rage at him:\nEPPS\nGet them stakes!\nSolomon runs quickly to the tool shed. In short order he returns with the stakes and a hammer.\nEPPS\nDrive 'em into the ground.\nAs Solomon does so, Epps gives an order to Wiley and Edward.\nEPPS\nStrip her. Strike her bare 'n lash her to the stakes.\nMistress Epps has now come from the Great House. She gazes on the scene with an air of heartless satisfaction.\nNow tied face down to the stakes, Epps stands over Patsey with his whip.\nEPPS\nYah done this to yerself, Pats!\nThe slaves are now employed working on an extension to the Great House. Overseeing the project is MR. AVERY.\nEpps hoists the whip to strike, holds it high -- but no matter his rage, Epps cannot bring himself to deliver the blow. He looks to Mistress Epps who now stands gloating and spurring him on."

"HERE IN THE WORTH OF To make my fortune, of course. I gave in to tales of wealth and prosperity that were the lore of the southern states: all that's needed being a patch of land and a few good growing seasons. Cotton, or tobacco. And then locating a proper bank to store your riches. But such profitable outcomes are reserved for the plantation masters. It's the lot of the rest of us to serve. So I settled to be an overseer, and failed as well at that. In the meantime my dreams gave way to reality. Now, I want nothing more than to earn a decent wage. And get myself home.\nArmsby takes another drink and leans back.\nARMSBY\nOh, to be a nigger. Not a concern in the world and every need taken care off. Consider yourself fortunate, Platt. It's the plight of the white to worry.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACKS - MORNING\nWe again hear the sound of the HORN BLOWING signaling the start of the work day for the slave.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - DAY\nWith the sun yet again high in the sky the slaves are working the field picking cotton. As before they sing a spiritual, the only thing that distracts them from the tedium at hand.\nBut there is no distracting from the heat. We see Uncle Abram begin to falter and finally drop down to the ground.\nTreach calls to Edward:\nTREACH\nGet him water.\nEdward runs to fetch water which he carries to Abram and DUMPS ON HIM BUT ABRAM DOES NOT RISE. DOES NOT MOVE.\nAt this point, the sounds of the singing from the others tapers off as they realize Abram isn't getting up.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - LATER\nWe are beyond the main of the plantation, the cotton field in the background. Solomon, Bob and Wiley are digging a grave in the dirt. The uncovered body of Abram lays near. Having dug down an appropriate distance, the three men take the body and, very unceremoniously, place it into the ground. That done, they begin to cover it with dirt. It is all the more of a funeral that Abram will receive.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - EVENING\nAs always, the day's pickings are again being weighed.\nTREACH\nOne hundred sixty pounds for Wiley.\nClearly displeased, Epps pulls Wiley from the line.\nEPPS\nPlatt?\nTREACH\nEighty eight pounds for Platt.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEpps moves to Solomon. As way of explanation but with defiance:\nSOLOMON\nWe buried Abram today --\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - LATER\nWE MAKE A QUICK CUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE GIN HOUSE. The reason for their low totals obviously doesn't matter as Solomon, Bob and Wiley receive a lashing for their lack of productivity.\nAs the last lash falls on his back, Epps moves directly to Solomon.\nEPPS\nYou are a disgrace. Unfit ta associate with a decent cotton-pickin' nigger. The Lord don't ignore even the lowest of his animals. But the Almighty hold you in such low regard He give you no skills. None. How miserable your shabbiness must be.\nbeat\nGet yerself clean. We dance tonight.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon lays down, but can't rest. The harshness of this life has mounted to the point he can take no more. He gets up, he goes to RETRIEVE THE SMALL SACK IN WHICH HE KEEPS HIS EARNINGS AS WELL AS HIS LETTER. But thinking better of it, Solomon returns the letter to hiding. He takes the money with him and cautiously moves from the cabin.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nSolomon is heading through the darkness toward another small cabin on the property. There is the light of the lantern in the window. Solomon steels himself, knocks on the door. From inside we hear:\nARMSBY (V.O.)\nEnter.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - ARMSBY'S SHACK - LATER\nThe door opens. Solomon enters. Armsby is surprised to see him. So much so, he isn't sure what greeting to give. Solomon gives a blunt introduction. Re: the coins:\nSOLOMON\nThe proceeds of my fiddling performances. A few picayunes, but all I have in the world. I promise them to you if you will do me the favor I require. But I beg you not to expose me if you cannot grant the request.\nARMSBY\nWhat is it you ask?\nSOLOMON\nFirst, your word, sir.\nARMSBY\nOn my honor.\nSOLOMON\nIt is a simple enough request. I ask only that you deposit a letter in the Marksville post office. And that you keep the action an inviolable secret forever. The details of the letter are of no consequence. Even at that, for me to write it would be a self-imposition of much pain and suffering.\nARMSBY\nWhere's the letter now?\nSOLOMON\nIt is not yet composed. I will have it in a day. Two at most.\nArmsby considers the request.\nARMSBY\nI will do as you ask. And will accept whatever payment is offered.\nSolomon hesitates. In the moment, he's not so sure he can wholly give himself over to trust.\nARMSBY\nTo assist you, I put my own self at risk. I will do so, but not without fair compensation.\nSolomon hands over the money.\nARMSBY\nCompose your letter. We will meet again. In two days?\nSOLOMON\nIn two days. Thank you.\nSolomon exits.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon rests but does not sleep. He has set himself on a course, one from which there is no departure.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - COTTON FIELD - DAY\nSolomon and the slaves pick cotton. Armsby is conspicuously NOT laboring in the field. As Solomon works he is watched by Epps. Watched more than he normally is. For a moment it seems it might just be a matter of perspective; Solomon's unease over his actions.\nBut soon Epps is joined by Armsby. The two men stand and talk, their looks locked toward Solomon.\nWhatever it is that is occurring between them continues for a long, long moment. But Epps makes no move toward Solomon. Solomon continues with his work.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nThe slaves are at rests. Gripping his whip Epps enters, without so much as a knock at the door. For a moment there's curiosity; is he there for a dance, for Patsey?\nLooking right to Solomon:\nEPPS\nGet up.\nPlanks of wood are being delivered and unloaded.\nSolomon does. Epps heads back out into the dark. He says nothing, but his directive is clear: Follow me.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - CONTINUOUS\nSolomon comes out into the dark. Nearly hidden in the shadows is a bitter Epps. Despite the lack of light, Epps's malevolence is quite clear. His whip twisting in his hand.\nEPPS\nWell, boy. I understand I've got a larned nigger that writes letters and tries to get white fellows to mail 'em.\nSolomon, hardly missing a beat, plays this off.\nSOLOMON\nDon't know nothing about it, Master Epps. Don't know nothing about it, sir.\nEPPS\nYah wasn't over with Armsby night before last?\nSOLOMON\nNo, master.\nEPPS\nHav'nt yah asked that fella to mail a letter fer yah at Marksville?\nWithout overplaying things, Solomon gets real slick.\nSOLOMON\nWhy, Lord, master, I never spoke but three words to him in all my life. I don't know what you mean.\nEPPS\nWell, Armsby tol' me today the devil was among my niggers. That I had one that needed close watchin' or he would run away. When I axed him why, he said you come over to him and waked him up in the middle of the night and wanted him to carry a letter to Marksville. What have yah got to say to that?\nSOLOMON\nAll I have to say, master, is all that need be said. There is no truth in it. How could I write a letter without ink or paper? There is nobody I want to write to 'cause I hain't got no friends living as I know of. That Armsby is a lying drunken fellow, they say, and nobody believes him anyway. You know I always tell the truth, and that I never go off the plantation without your given word. Now, master, I can see what that Armsby is after, plain enough. Didn't he want you to hire him for an overseer?\nEPPS\nYes.\nSOLOMON\nThat's it. He wants to make you believe we're all going to run away and then he thinks you'll hire an overseer to watch us. He just made that story out of whole cloth, 'cause he wants to get a situation. It's all a lie, master, you may depend on't.\nEpps shallow mind is so easily manipulated Solomon is able to work it as though he were performing origami. We can nearly see Epps's thoughts being folded.\nEPPS\nI'm damned, Platt, if I don't believe you tell the truth. He must take me for a soft, to think he can come it over me with them kind of yarns, musn't he? Maybe he think he can fool me. Maybe he thinks I don't know nothing -- Can't take care of my own niggers. Soft soap old Epps. Damn Armsby! Set the dogs on him, Platt. That filthy unloved bastard. He will not separate me from my niggers. I will drive him from my land before the sun comes over it. Ohh, were he not free and white, Platt. Were he not free and white.\nSolomon Northup is my name.\nEpps heads off to do as promised.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - NIGHT\nHaving found a lonely spot, Solomon has struck a small fire. He has in his hand his letter. With no ceremony, he casts it upon the flames and watches it burn.\nBLACK\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - DAY\nIt's the Sabbath. The slaves are left to themselves to do their own chores. At the moment they are down by the river washing their clothes in the water. Missing from the field of labor is Patsey, for whom Epps hollers.\nEPPS\nPatsey -- Patsey!\nEpps comes down to the bank and asks of the slaves:\nEPPS\nWhere is she? Where is Patsey?\nNo one answers.\nEPPS\nTalk, Damn you!\nPHEBE\nWe have no knowledge of her, Massa.\nEPPS\nThe hell you don't! You know where she is! She run off, ain't she? She's escaped, and you miserable black dogs stand like the deef and dumb. My best cotton picking nigger! My best. I'd give yah all up for her. Where she gone?\nNot a word spoken. Epps wades in and among the slaves and begins to whip at them recklessly.\nEPPS\nSpeak! Speak!\nThe slaves say nothing. There is nothing for them to say. They don't know where she is. Eventually Epps slows, then stops. He drops down in great sorrow.\nEPPS\nShe run off -- Pats run off.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nEpps sits on the piazza looking quite forlorn. He looks up only to see Patsey returning to the plantation. Epps steps up to greet her, with anger rather than relief.\nAs they hear his angry voice, the slaves step around from where they are hanging their laundry to dry.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEPPS\nRun off. Run off, did you?\nPATSEY\nMassa Epps--\nEPPS\nYou miserable wench! Where you been?\nPATSEY\nI been nowhere.\nEPPS\nLies to your misdeeds!\nPATSEY\nThe Sabbath day, Massa. I took me a walk to commune wit da Lord.\nEPPS\nBring the Lord into yer deceptions? Yah Godless... Shaw's. Comin' from Shaw's plantation weren't yah?\nPATSEY\nNo --\nEPPS\nYah didn't run, did yah? Yah took yerself ta pleasure Shaw. Yah gave baser passion to that unblushin' libertine!\nSolomon tries to intervene:\nSOLOMON\nMaster Epps--\nEPPS\nNow yah speak? Now that yah want to add to 'er lies yah find yer tongue.\nEpps goes to strike Solomon, but Patsey pulls his arm back.\nPATSEY\nDo not strike him. I went to Massa Shaw's plantation!\nEPPS\nYah admit it.\nPATSEY\nFreely. And you know why.\nPatsey takes soap from the pocket of her dress.\nPATSEY\nI got this from Mistress Shaw. Misstress Epps won't even grant me no soap ta clean with. Stink so much I make myself gag. Five hundred pounds 'a cotton day in, day out. More than any man here. And 'fo that I will be clean; that all I ax. Dis here what I went to Shaw's 'fo.\nEPPS\nYou lie --\nPATSEY\nThe Lord knows that's all.\nEPPS\nYou lie!\nPATSEY\nAnd you blind wit yer own covetousness. I don't lie, Massa. If you kill me, I'll stick ta that.\nEPPS\nOh, I'll fetch you down. I'll learn you to go to Shaw's. Platt, run get four stakes and straps a leather.\nAt first Solomon does not move. Epps level all his rage at him:\nEPPS\nGet them stakes!\nSolomon runs quickly to the tool shed. In short order he returns with the stakes and a hammer.\nEPPS\nDrive 'em into the ground.\nAs Solomon does so, Epps gives an order to Wiley and Edward.\nEPPS\nStrip her. Strike her bare 'n lash her to the stakes.\nMistress Epps has now come from the Great House. She gazes on the scene with an air of heartless satisfaction.\nNow tied face down to the stakes, Epps stands over Patsey with his whip.\nEPPS\nYah done this to yerself, Pats!\nThe slaves are now employed working on an extension to the Great House. Overseeing the project is MR. AVERY.\nEpps hoists the whip to strike, holds it high -- but no matter his rage, Epps cannot bring himself to deliver the blow. He looks to Mistress Epps who now stands gloating and spurring him on.To make my fortune, of course. I gave in to tales of wealth and prosperity that were the lore of the southern states: all that's needed being a patch of land and a few good growing seasons. Cotton, or tobacco. And then locating a proper bank to store your riches. But such profitable outcomes are reserved for the plantation masters. It's the lot of the rest of us to serve. So I settled to be an overseer, and failed as well at that. In the meantime my dreams gave way to reality. Now, I want nothing more than to earn a decent wage. And get myself home.\nArmsby takes another drink and leans back.\nARMSBY\nOh, to be a nigger. Not a concern in the world and every need taken care off. Consider yourself fortunate, Platt. It's the plight of the white to worry.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACKS - MORNING\nWe again hear the sound of the HORN BLOWING signaling the start of the work day for the slave.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - DAY\nWith the sun yet again high in the sky the slaves are working the field picking cotton. As before they sing a spiritual, the only thing that distracts them from the tedium at hand.\nBut there is no distracting from the heat. We see Uncle Abram begin to falter and finally drop down to the ground.\nTreach calls to Edward:\nTREACH\nGet him water.\nEdward runs to fetch water which he carries to Abram and DUMPS ON HIM BUT ABRAM DOES NOT RISE. DOES NOT MOVE.\nAt this point, the sounds of the singing from the others tapers off as they realize Abram isn't getting up.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - LATER\nWe are beyond the main of the plantation, the cotton field in the background. Solomon, Bob and Wiley are digging a grave in the dirt. The uncovered body of Abram lays near. Having dug down an appropriate distance, the three men take the body and, very unceremoniously, place it into the ground. That done, they begin to cover it with dirt. It is all the more of a funeral that Abram will receive.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - EVENING\nAs always, the day's pickings are again being weighed.\nTREACH\nOne hundred sixty pounds for Wiley.\nClearly displeased, Epps pulls Wiley from the line.\nEPPS\nPlatt?\nTREACH\nEighty eight pounds for Platt.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEpps moves to Solomon. As way of explanation but with defiance:\nSOLOMON\nWe buried Abram today --\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - LATER\nWE MAKE A QUICK CUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE GIN HOUSE. The reason for their low totals obviously doesn't matter as Solomon, Bob and Wiley receive a lashing for their lack of productivity.\nAs the last lash falls on his back, Epps moves directly to Solomon.\nEPPS\nYou are a disgrace. Unfit ta associate with a decent cotton-pickin' nigger. The Lord don't ignore even the lowest of his animals. But the Almighty hold you in such low regard He give you no skills. None. How miserable your shabbiness must be.\nbeat\nGet yerself clean. We dance tonight.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon lays down, but can't rest. The harshness of this life has mounted to the point he can take no more. He gets up, he goes to RETRIEVE THE SMALL SACK IN WHICH HE KEEPS HIS EARNINGS AS WELL AS HIS LETTER. But thinking better of it, Solomon returns the letter to hiding. He takes the money with him and cautiously moves from the cabin.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nSolomon is heading through the darkness toward another small cabin on the property. There is the light of the lantern in the window. Solomon steels himself, knocks on the door. From inside we hear:\nARMSBY (V.O.)\nEnter.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - ARMSBY'S SHACK - LATER\nThe door opens. Solomon enters. Armsby is surprised to see him. So much so, he isn't sure what greeting to give. Solomon gives a blunt introduction. Re: the coins:\nSOLOMON\nThe proceeds of my fiddling performances. A few picayunes, but all I have in the world. I promise them to you if you will do me the favor I require. But I beg you not to expose me if you cannot grant the request.\nARMSBY\nWhat is it you ask?\nSOLOMON\nFirst, your word, sir.\nARMSBY\nOn my honor.\nSOLOMON\nIt is a simple enough request. I ask only that you deposit a letter in the Marksville post office. And that you keep the action an inviolable secret forever. The details of the letter are of no consequence. Even at that, for me to write it would be a self-imposition of much pain and suffering.\nARMSBY\nWhere's the letter now?\nSOLOMON\nIt is not yet composed. I will have it in a day. Two at most.\nArmsby considers the request.\nARMSBY\nI will do as you ask. And will accept whatever payment is offered.\nSolomon hesitates. In the moment, he's not so sure he can wholly give himself over to trust.\nARMSBY\nTo assist you, I put my own self at risk. I will do so, but not without fair compensation.\nSolomon hands over the money.\nARMSBY\nCompose your letter. We will meet again. In two days?\nSOLOMON\nIn two days. Thank you.\nSolomon exits.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon rests but does not sleep. He has set himself on a course, one from which there is no departure.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - COTTON FIELD - DAY\nSolomon and the slaves pick cotton. Armsby is conspicuously NOT laboring in the field. As Solomon works he is watched by Epps. Watched more than he normally is. For a moment it seems it might just be a matter of perspective; Solomon's unease over his actions.\nBut soon Epps is joined by Armsby. The two men stand and talk, their looks locked toward Solomon.\nWhatever it is that is occurring between them continues for a long, long moment. But Epps makes no move toward Solomon. Solomon continues with his work.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nThe slaves are at rests. Gripping his whip Epps enters, without so much as a knock at the door. For a moment there's curiosity; is he there for a dance, for Patsey?\nLooking right to Solomon:\nEPPS\nGet up.\nPlanks of wood are being delivered and unloaded.\nSolomon does. Epps heads back out into the dark. He says nothing, but his directive is clear: Follow me.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - CONTINUOUS\nSolomon comes out into the dark. Nearly hidden in the shadows is a bitter Epps. Despite the lack of light, Epps's malevolence is quite clear. His whip twisting in his hand.\nEPPS\nWell, boy. I understand I've got a larned nigger that writes letters and tries to get white fellows to mail 'em.\nSolomon, hardly missing a beat, plays this off.\nSOLOMON\nDon't know nothing about it, Master Epps. Don't know nothing about it, sir.\nEPPS\nYah wasn't over with Armsby night before last?\nSOLOMON\nNo, master.\nEPPS\nHav'nt yah asked that fella to mail a letter fer yah at Marksville?\nWithout overplaying things, Solomon gets real slick.\nSOLOMON\nWhy, Lord, master, I never spoke but three words to him in all my life. I don't know what you mean.\nEPPS\nWell, Armsby tol' me today the devil was among my niggers. That I had one that needed close watchin' or he would run away. When I axed him why, he said you come over to him and waked him up in the middle of the night and wanted him to carry a letter to Marksville. What have yah got to say to that?\nSOLOMON\nAll I have to say, master, is all that need be said. There is no truth in it. How could I write a letter without ink or paper? There is nobody I want to write to 'cause I hain't got no friends living as I know of. That Armsby is a lying drunken fellow, they say, and nobody believes him anyway. You know I always tell the truth, and that I never go off the plantation without your given word. Now, master, I can see what that Armsby is after, plain enough. Didn't he want you to hire him for an overseer?\nEPPS\nYes.\nSOLOMON\nThat's it. He wants to make you believe we're all going to run away and then he thinks you'll hire an overseer to watch us. He just made that story out of whole cloth, 'cause he wants to get a situation. It's all a lie, master, you may depend on't.\nEpps shallow mind is so easily manipulated Solomon is able to work it as though he were performing origami. We can nearly see Epps's thoughts being folded.\nEPPS\nI'm damned, Platt, if I don't believe you tell the truth. He must take me for a soft, to think he can come it over me with them kind of yarns, musn't he? Maybe he think he can fool me. Maybe he thinks I don't know nothing -- Can't take care of my own niggers. Soft soap old Epps. Damn Armsby! Set the dogs on him, Platt. That filthy unloved bastard. He will not separate me from my niggers. I will drive him from my land before the sun comes over it. Ohh, were he not free and white, Platt. Were he not free and white.\nSolomon Northup is my name.\nEpps heads off to do as promised.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - NIGHT\nHaving found a lonely spot, Solomon has struck a small fire. He has in his hand his letter. With no ceremony, he casts it upon the flames and watches it burn.\nBLACK\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - DAY\nIt's the Sabbath. The slaves are left to themselves to do their own chores. At the moment they are down by the river washing their clothes in the water. Missing from the field of labor is Patsey, for whom Epps hollers.\nEPPS\nPatsey -- Patsey!\nEpps comes down to the bank and asks of the slaves:\nEPPS\nWhere is she? Where is Patsey?\nNo one answers.\nEPPS\nTalk, Damn you!\nPHEBE\nWe have no knowledge of her, Massa.\nEPPS\nThe hell you don't! You know where she is! She run off, ain't she? She's escaped, and you miserable black dogs stand like the deef and dumb. My best cotton picking nigger! My best. I'd give yah all up for her. Where she gone?\nNot a word spoken. Epps wades in and among the slaves and begins to whip at them recklessly.\nEPPS\nSpeak! Speak!\nThe slaves say nothing. There is nothing for them to say. They don't know where she is. Eventually Epps slows, then stops. He drops down in great sorrow.\nEPPS\nShe run off -- Pats run off.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nEpps sits on the piazza looking quite forlorn. He looks up only to see Patsey returning to the plantation. Epps steps up to greet her, with anger rather than relief.\nAs they hear his angry voice, the slaves step around from where they are hanging their laundry to dry.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEPPS\nRun off. Run off, did you?\nPATSEY\nMassa Epps--\nEPPS\nYou miserable wench! Where you been?\nPATSEY\nI been nowhere.\nEPPS\nLies to your misdeeds!\nPATSEY\nThe Sabbath day, Massa. I took me a walk to commune wit da Lord.\nEPPS\nBring the Lord into yer deceptions? Yah Godless... Shaw's. Comin' from Shaw's plantation weren't yah?\nPATSEY\nNo --\nEPPS\nYah didn't run, did yah? Yah took yerself ta pleasure Shaw. Yah gave baser passion to that unblushin' libertine!\nSolomon tries to intervene:\nSOLOMON\nMaster Epps--\nEPPS\nNow yah speak? Now that yah want to add to 'er lies yah find yer tongue.\nEpps goes to strike Solomon, but Patsey pulls his arm back.\nPATSEY\nDo not strike him. I went to Massa Shaw's plantation!\nEPPS\nYah admit it.\nPATSEY\nFreely. And you know why.\nPatsey takes soap from the pocket of her dress.\nPATSEY\nI got this from Mistress Shaw. Misstress Epps won't even grant me no soap ta clean with. Stink so much I make myself gag. Five hundred pounds 'a cotton day in, day out. More than any man here. And 'fo that I will be clean; that all I ax. Dis here what I went to Shaw's 'fo.\nEPPS\nYou lie --\nPATSEY\nThe Lord knows that's all.\nEPPS\nYou lie!\nPATSEY\nAnd you blind wit yer own covetousness. I don't lie, Massa. If you kill me, I'll stick ta that.\nEPPS\nOh, I'll fetch you down. I'll learn you to go to Shaw's. Platt, run get four stakes and straps a leather.\nAt first Solomon does not move. Epps level all his rage at him:\nEPPS\nGet them stakes!\nSolomon runs quickly to the tool shed. In short order he returns with the stakes and a hammer.\nEPPS\nDrive 'em into the ground.\nAs Solomon does so, Epps gives an order to Wiley and Edward.\nEPPS\nStrip her. Strike her bare 'n lash her to the stakes.\nMistress Epps has now come from the Great House. She gazes on the scene with an air of heartless satisfaction.\nNow tied face down to the stakes, Epps stands over Patsey with his whip.\nEPPS\nYah done this to yerself, Pats!\nThe slaves are now employed working on an extension to the Great House. Overseeing the project is MR. AVERY.\nEpps hoists the whip to strike, holds it high -- but no matter his rage, Epps cannot bring himself to deliver the blow. He looks to Mistress Epps who now stands gloating and spurring him on."

"0adbd234f9cdde59e282f9b569bd12349c63a7761e78dad54902c142e29997f02"

"IFT HEY ARE 23343 NULL ABLE To make my fortune, of course. I gave in to tales of wealth and prosperity that were the lore of the southern states: all that's needed being a patch of land and a few good growing seasons. Cotton, or tobacco. And then locating a proper bank to store your riches. But such profitable outcomes are reserved for the plantation masters. It's the lot of the rest of us to serve. So I settled to be an overseer, and failed as well at that. In the meantime my dreams gave way to reality. Now, I want nothing more than to earn a decent wage. And get myself home.\nArmsby takes another drink and leans back.\nARMSBY\nOh, to be a nigger. Not a concern in the world and every need taken care off. Consider yourself fortunate, Platt. It's the plight of the white to worry.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACKS - MORNING\nWe again hear the sound of the HORN BLOWING signaling the start of the work day for the slave.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - DAY\nWith the sun yet again high in the sky the slaves are working the field picking cotton. As before they sing a spiritual, the only thing that distracts them from the tedium at hand.\nBut there is no distracting from the heat. We see Uncle Abram begin to falter and finally drop down to the ground.\nTreach calls to Edward:\nTREACH\nGet him water.\nEdward runs to fetch water which he carries to Abram and DUMPS ON HIM BUT ABRAM DOES NOT RISE. DOES NOT MOVE.\nAt this point, the sounds of the singing from the others tapers off as they realize Abram isn't getting up.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - LATER\nWe are beyond the main of the plantation, the cotton field in the background. Solomon, Bob and Wiley are digging a grave in the dirt. The uncovered body of Abram lays near. Having dug down an appropriate distance, the three men take the body and, very unceremoniously, place it into the ground. That done, they begin to cover it with dirt. It is all the more of a funeral that Abram will receive.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - EVENING\nAs always, the day's pickings are again being weighed.\nTREACH\nOne hundred sixty pounds for Wiley.\nClearly displeased, Epps pulls Wiley from the line.\nEPPS\nPlatt?\nTREACH\nEighty eight pounds for Platt.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEpps moves to Solomon. As way of explanation but with defiance:\nSOLOMON\nWe buried Abram today --\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - LATER\nWE MAKE A QUICK CUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE GIN HOUSE. The reason for their low totals obviously doesn't matter as Solomon, Bob and Wiley receive a lashing for their lack of productivity.\nAs the last lash falls on his back, Epps moves directly to Solomon.\nEPPS\nYou are a disgrace. Unfit ta associate with a decent cotton-pickin' nigger. The Lord don't ignore even the lowest of his animals. But the Almighty hold you in such low regard He give you no skills. None. How miserable your shabbiness must be.\nbeat\nGet yerself clean. We dance tonight.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon lays down, but can't rest. The harshness of this life has mounted to the point he can take no more. He gets up, he goes to RETRIEVE THE SMALL SACK IN WHICH HE KEEPS HIS EARNINGS AS WELL AS HIS LETTER. But thinking better of it, Solomon returns the letter to hiding. He takes the money with him and cautiously moves from the cabin.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nSolomon is heading through the darkness toward another small cabin on the property. There is the light of the lantern in the window. Solomon steels himself, knocks on the door. From inside we hear:\nARMSBY (V.O.)\nEnter.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - ARMSBY'S SHACK - LATER\nThe door opens. Solomon enters. Armsby is surprised to see him. So much so, he isn't sure what greeting to give. Solomon gives a blunt introduction. Re: the coins:\nSOLOMON\nThe proceeds of my fiddling performances. A few picayunes, but all I have in the world. I promise them to you if you will do me the favor I require. But I beg you not to expose me if you cannot grant the request.\nARMSBY\nWhat is it you ask?\nSOLOMON\nFirst, your word, sir.\nARMSBY\nOn my honor.\nSOLOMON\nIt is a simple enough request. I ask only that you deposit a letter in the Marksville post office. And that you keep the action an inviolable secret forever. The details of the letter are of no consequence. Even at that, for me to write it would be a self-imposition of much pain and suffering.\nARMSBY\nWhere's the letter now?\nSOLOMON\nIt is not yet composed. I will have it in a day. Two at most.\nArmsby considers the request.\nARMSBY\nI will do as you ask. And will accept whatever payment is offered.\nSolomon hesitates. In the moment, he's not so sure he can wholly give himself over to trust.\nARMSBY\nTo assist you, I put my own self at risk. I will do so, but not without fair compensation.\nSolomon hands over the money.\nARMSBY\nCompose your letter. We will meet again. In two days?\nSOLOMON\nIn two days. Thank you.\nSolomon exits.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon rests but does not sleep. He has set himself on a course, one from which there is no departure.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - COTTON FIELD - DAY\nSolomon and the slaves pick cotton. Armsby is conspicuously NOT laboring in the field. As Solomon works he is watched by Epps. Watched more than he normally is. For a moment it seems it might just be a matter of perspective; Solomon's unease over his actions.\nBut soon Epps is joined by Armsby. The two men stand and talk, their looks locked toward Solomon.\nWhatever it is that is occurring between them continues for a long, long moment. But Epps makes no move toward Solomon. Solomon continues with his work.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nThe slaves are at rests. Gripping his whip Epps enters, without so much as a knock at the door. For a moment there's curiosity; is he there for a dance, for Patsey?\nLooking right to Solomon:\nEPPS\nGet up.\nPlanks of wood are being delivered and unloaded.\nSolomon does. Epps heads back out into the dark. He says nothing, but his directive is clear: Follow me.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - CONTINUOUS\nSolomon comes out into the dark. Nearly hidden in the shadows is a bitter Epps. Despite the lack of light, Epps's malevolence is quite clear. His whip twisting in his hand.\nEPPS\nWell, boy. I understand I've got a larned nigger that writes letters and tries to get white fellows to mail 'em.\nSolomon, hardly missing a beat, plays this off.\nSOLOMON\nDon't know nothing about it, Master Epps. Don't know nothing about it, sir.\nEPPS\nYah wasn't over with Armsby night before last?\nSOLOMON\nNo, master.\nEPPS\nHav'nt yah asked that fella to mail a letter fer yah at Marksville?\nWithout overplaying things, Solomon gets real slick.\nSOLOMON\nWhy, Lord, master, I never spoke but three words to him in all my life. I don't know what you mean.\nEPPS\nWell, Armsby tol' me today the devil was among my niggers. That I had one that needed close watchin' or he would run away. When I axed him why, he said you come over to him and waked him up in the middle of the night and wanted him to carry a letter to Marksville. What have yah got to say to that?\nSOLOMON\nAll I have to say, master, is all that need be said. There is no truth in it. How could I write a letter without ink or paper? There is nobody I want to write to 'cause I hain't got no friends living as I know of. That Armsby is a lying drunken fellow, they say, and nobody believes him anyway. You know I always tell the truth, and that I never go off the plantation without your given word. Now, master, I can see what that Armsby is after, plain enough. Didn't he want you to hire him for an overseer?\nEPPS\nYes.\nSOLOMON\nThat's it. He wants to make you believe we're all going to run away and then he thinks you'll hire an overseer to watch us. He just made that story out of whole cloth, 'cause he wants to get a situation. It's all a lie, master, you may depend on't.\nEpps shallow mind is so easily manipulated Solomon is able to work it as though he were performing origami. We can nearly see Epps's thoughts being folded.\nEPPS\nI'm damned, Platt, if I don't believe you tell the truth. He must take me for a soft, to think he can come it over me with them kind of yarns, musn't he? Maybe he think he can fool me. Maybe he thinks I don't know nothing -- Can't take care of my own niggers. Soft soap old Epps. Damn Armsby! Set the dogs on him, Platt. That filthy unloved bastard. He will not separate me from my niggers. I will drive him from my land before the sun comes over it. Ohh, were he not free and white, Platt. Were he not free and white.\nSolomon Northup is my name.\nEpps heads off to do as promised.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - NIGHT\nHaving found a lonely spot, Solomon has struck a small fire. He has in his hand his letter. With no ceremony, he casts it upon the flames and watches it burn.\nBLACK\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - DAY\nIt's the Sabbath. The slaves are left to themselves to do their own chores. At the moment they are down by the river washing their clothes in the water. Missing from the field of labor is Patsey, for whom Epps hollers.\nEPPS\nPatsey -- Patsey!\nEpps comes down to the bank and asks of the slaves:\nEPPS\nWhere is she? Where is Patsey?\nNo one answers.\nEPPS\nTalk, Damn you!\nPHEBE\nWe have no knowledge of her, Massa.\nEPPS\nThe hell you don't! You know where she is! She run off, ain't she? She's escaped, and you miserable black dogs stand like the deef and dumb. My best cotton picking nigger! My best. I'd give yah all up for her. Where she gone?\nNot a word spoken. Epps wades in and among the slaves and begins to whip at them recklessly.\nEPPS\nSpeak! Speak!\nThe slaves say nothing. There is nothing for them to say. They don't know where she is. Eventually Epps slows, then stops. He drops down in great sorrow.\nEPPS\nShe run off -- Pats run off.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nEpps sits on the piazza looking quite forlorn. He looks up only to see Patsey returning to the plantation. Epps steps up to greet her, with anger rather than relief.\nAs they hear his angry voice, the slaves step around from where they are hanging their laundry to dry.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEPPS\nRun off. Run off, did you?\nPATSEY\nMassa Epps--\nEPPS\nYou miserable wench! Where you been?\nPATSEY\nI been nowhere.\nEPPS\nLies to your misdeeds!\nPATSEY\nThe Sabbath day, Massa. I took me a walk to commune wit da Lord.\nEPPS\nBring the Lord into yer deceptions? Yah Godless... Shaw's. Comin' from Shaw's plantation weren't yah?\nPATSEY\nNo --\nEPPS\nYah didn't run, did yah? Yah took yerself ta pleasure Shaw. Yah gave baser passion to that unblushin' libertine!\nSolomon tries to intervene:\nSOLOMON\nMaster Epps--\nEPPS\nNow yah speak? Now that yah want to add to 'er lies yah find yer tongue.\nEpps goes to strike Solomon, but Patsey pulls his arm back.\nPATSEY\nDo not strike him. I went to Massa Shaw's plantation!\nEPPS\nYah admit it.\nPATSEY\nFreely. And you know why.\nPatsey takes soap from the pocket of her dress.\nPATSEY\nI got this from Mistress Shaw. Misstress Epps won't even grant me no soap ta clean with. Stink so much I make myself gag. Five hundred pounds 'a cotton day in, day out. More than any man here. And 'fo that I will be clean; that all I ax. Dis here what I went to Shaw's 'fo.\nEPPS\nYou lie --\nPATSEY\nThe Lord knows that's all.\nEPPS\nYou lie!\nPATSEY\nAnd you blind wit yer own covetousness. I don't lie, Massa. If you kill me, I'll stick ta that.\nEPPS\nOh, I'll fetch you down. I'll learn you to go to Shaw's. Platt, run get four stakes and straps a leather.\nAt first Solomon does not move. Epps level all his rage at him:\nEPPS\nGet them stakes!\nSolomon runs quickly to the tool shed. In short order he returns with the stakes and a hammer.\nEPPS\nDrive 'em into the ground.\nAs Solomon does so, Epps gives an order to Wiley and Edward.\nEPPS\nStrip her. Strike her bare 'n lash her to the stakes.\nMistress Epps has now come from the Great House. She gazes on the scene with an air of heartless satisfaction.\nNow tied face down to the stakes, Epps stands over Patsey with his whip.\nEPPS\nYah done this to yerself, Pats!\nThe slaves are now employed working on an extension to the Great House. Overseeing the project is MR. AVERY.\nEpps hoists the whip to strike, holds it high -- but no matter his rage, Epps cannot bring himself to deliver the blow. He looks to Mistress Epps who now stands gloating and spurring him on.To make my fortune, of course. I gave in to tales of wealth and prosperity that were the lore of the southern states: all that's needed being a patch of land and a few good growing seasons. Cotton, or tobacco. And then locating a proper bank to store your riches. But such profitable outcomes are reserved for the plantation masters. It's the lot of the rest of us to serve. So I settled to be an overseer, and failed as well at that. In the meantime my dreams gave way to reality. Now, I want nothing more than to earn a decent wage. And get myself home.\nArmsby takes another drink and leans back.\nARMSBY\nOh, to be a nigger. Not a concern in the world and every need taken care off. Consider yourself fortunate, Platt. It's the plight of the white to worry.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACKS - MORNING\nWe again hear the sound of the HORN BLOWING signaling the start of the work day for the slave.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - DAY\nWith the sun yet again high in the sky the slaves are working the field picking cotton. As before they sing a spiritual, the only thing that distracts them from the tedium at hand.\nBut there is no distracting from the heat. We see Uncle Abram begin to falter and finally drop down to the ground.\nTreach calls to Edward:\nTREACH\nGet him water.\nEdward runs to fetch water which he carries to Abram and DUMPS ON HIM BUT ABRAM DOES NOT RISE. DOES NOT MOVE.\nAt this point, the sounds of the singing from the others tapers off as they realize Abram isn't getting up.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - LATER\nWe are beyond the main of the plantation, the cotton field in the background. Solomon, Bob and Wiley are digging a grave in the dirt. The uncovered body of Abram lays near. Having dug down an appropriate distance, the three men take the body and, very unceremoniously, place it into the ground. That done, they begin to cover it with dirt. It is all the more of a funeral that Abram will receive.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - EVENING\nAs always, the day's pickings are again being weighed.\nTREACH\nOne hundred sixty pounds for Wiley.\nClearly displeased, Epps pulls Wiley from the line.\nEPPS\nPlatt?\nTREACH\nEighty eight pounds for Platt.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEpps moves to Solomon. As way of explanation but with defiance:\nSOLOMON\nWe buried Abram today --\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - LATER\nWE MAKE A QUICK CUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE GIN HOUSE. The reason for their low totals obviously doesn't matter as Solomon, Bob and Wiley receive a lashing for their lack of productivity.\nAs the last lash falls on his back, Epps moves directly to Solomon.\nEPPS\nYou are a disgrace. Unfit ta associate with a decent cotton-pickin' nigger. The Lord don't ignore even the lowest of his animals. But the Almighty hold you in such low regard He give you no skills. None. How miserable your shabbiness must be.\nbeat\nGet yerself clean. We dance tonight.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon lays down, but can't rest. The harshness of this life has mounted to the point he can take no more. He gets up, he goes to RETRIEVE THE SMALL SACK IN WHICH HE KEEPS HIS EARNINGS AS WELL AS HIS LETTER. But thinking better of it, Solomon returns the letter to hiding. He takes the money with him and cautiously moves from the cabin.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nSolomon is heading through the darkness toward another small cabin on the property. There is the light of the lantern in the window. Solomon steels himself, knocks on the door. From inside we hear:\nARMSBY (V.O.)\nEnter.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - ARMSBY'S SHACK - LATER\nThe door opens. Solomon enters. Armsby is surprised to see him. So much so, he isn't sure what greeting to give. Solomon gives a blunt introduction. Re: the coins:\nSOLOMON\nThe proceeds of my fiddling performances. A few picayunes, but all I have in the world. I promise them to you if you will do me the favor I require. But I beg you not to expose me if you cannot grant the request.\nARMSBY\nWhat is it you ask?\nSOLOMON\nFirst, your word, sir.\nARMSBY\nOn my honor.\nSOLOMON\nIt is a simple enough request. I ask only that you deposit a letter in the Marksville post office. And that you keep the action an inviolable secret forever. The details of the letter are of no consequence. Even at that, for me to write it would be a self-imposition of much pain and suffering.\nARMSBY\nWhere's the letter now?\nSOLOMON\nIt is not yet composed. I will have it in a day. Two at most.\nArmsby considers the request.\nARMSBY\nI will do as you ask. And will accept whatever payment is offered.\nSolomon hesitates. In the moment, he's not so sure he can wholly give himself over to trust.\nARMSBY\nTo assist you, I put my own self at risk. I will do so, but not without fair compensation.\nSolomon hands over the money.\nARMSBY\nCompose your letter. We will meet again. In two days?\nSOLOMON\nIn two days. Thank you.\nSolomon exits.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon rests but does not sleep. He has set himself on a course, one from which there is no departure.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - COTTON FIELD - DAY\nSolomon and the slaves pick cotton. Armsby is conspicuously NOT laboring in the field. As Solomon works he is watched by Epps. Watched more than he normally is. For a moment it seems it might just be a matter of perspective; Solomon's unease over his actions.\nBut soon Epps is joined by Armsby. The two men stand and talk, their looks locked toward Solomon.\nWhatever it is that is occurring between them continues for a long, long moment. But Epps makes no move toward Solomon. Solomon continues with his work.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nThe slaves are at rests. Gripping his whip Epps enters, without so much as a knock at the door. For a moment there's curiosity; is he there for a dance, for Patsey?\nLooking right to Solomon:\nEPPS\nGet up.\nPlanks of wood are being delivered and unloaded.\nSolomon does. Epps heads back out into the dark. He says nothing, but his directive is clear: Follow me.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - CONTINUOUS\nSolomon comes out into the dark. Nearly hidden in the shadows is a bitter Epps. Despite the lack of light, Epps's malevolence is quite clear. His whip twisting in his hand.\nEPPS\nWell, boy. I understand I've got a larned nigger that writes letters and tries to get white fellows to mail 'em.\nSolomon, hardly missing a beat, plays this off.\nSOLOMON\nDon't know nothing about it, Master Epps. Don't know nothing about it, sir.\nEPPS\nYah wasn't over with Armsby night before last?\nSOLOMON\nNo, master.\nEPPS\nHav'nt yah asked that fella to mail a letter fer yah at Marksville?\nWithout overplaying things, Solomon gets real slick.\nSOLOMON\nWhy, Lord, master, I never spoke but three words to him in all my life. I don't know what you mean.\nEPPS\nWell, Armsby tol' me today the devil was among my niggers. That I had one that needed close watchin' or he would run away. When I axed him why, he said you come over to him and waked him up in the middle of the night and wanted him to carry a letter to Marksville. What have yah got to say to that?\nSOLOMON\nAll I have to say, master, is all that need be said. There is no truth in it. How could I write a letter without ink or paper? There is nobody I want to write to 'cause I hain't got no friends living as I know of. That Armsby is a lying drunken fellow, they say, and nobody believes him anyway. You know I always tell the truth, and that I never go off the plantation without your given word. Now, master, I can see what that Armsby is after, plain enough. Didn't he want you to hire him for an overseer?\nEPPS\nYes.\nSOLOMON\nThat's it. He wants to make you believe we're all going to run away and then he thinks you'll hire an overseer to watch us. He just made that story out of whole cloth, 'cause he wants to get a situation. It's all a lie, master, you may depend on't.\nEpps shallow mind is so easily manipulated Solomon is able to work it as though he were performing origami. We can nearly see Epps's thoughts being folded.\nEPPS\nI'm damned, Platt, if I don't believe you tell the truth. He must take me for a soft, to think he can come it over me with them kind of yarns, musn't he? Maybe he think he can fool me. Maybe he thinks I don't know nothing -- Can't take care of my own niggers. Soft soap old Epps. Damn Armsby! Set the dogs on him, Platt. That filthy unloved bastard. He will not separate me from my niggers. I will drive him from my land before the sun comes over it. Ohh, were he not free and white, Platt. Were he not free and white.\nSolomon Northup is my name.\nEpps heads off to do as promised.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - NIGHT\nHaving found a lonely spot, Solomon has struck a small fire. He has in his hand his letter. With no ceremony, he casts it upon the flames and watches it burn.\nBLACK\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - DAY\nIt's the Sabbath. The slaves are left to themselves to do their own chores. At the moment they are down by the river washing their clothes in the water. Missing from the field of labor is Patsey, for whom Epps hollers.\nEPPS\nPatsey -- Patsey!\nEpps comes down to the bank and asks of the slaves:\nEPPS\nWhere is she? Where is Patsey?\nNo one answers.\nEPPS\nTalk, Damn you!\nPHEBE\nWe have no knowledge of her, Massa.\nEPPS\nThe hell you don't! You know where she is! She run off, ain't she? She's escaped, and you miserable black dogs stand like the deef and dumb. My best cotton picking nigger! My best. I'd give yah all up for her. Where she gone?\nNot a word spoken. Epps wades in and among the slaves and begins to whip at them recklessly.\nEPPS\nSpeak! Speak!\nThe slaves say nothing. There is nothing for them to say. They don't know where she is. Eventually Epps slows, then stops. He drops down in great sorrow.\nEPPS\nShe run off -- Pats run off.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nEpps sits on the piazza looking quite forlorn. He looks up only to see Patsey returning to the plantation. Epps steps up to greet her, with anger rather than relief.\nAs they hear his angry voice, the slaves step around from where they are hanging their laundry to dry.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEPPS\nRun off. Run off, did you?\nPATSEY\nMassa Epps--\nEPPS\nYou miserable wench! Where you been?\nPATSEY\nI been nowhere.\nEPPS\nLies to your misdeeds!\nPATSEY\nThe Sabbath day, Massa. I took me a walk to commune wit da Lord.\nEPPS\nBring the Lord into yer deceptions? Yah Godless... Shaw's. Comin' from Shaw's plantation weren't yah?\nPATSEY\nNo --\nEPPS\nYah didn't run, did yah? Yah took yerself ta pleasure Shaw. Yah gave baser passion to that unblushin' libertine!\nSolomon tries to intervene:\nSOLOMON\nMaster Epps--\nEPPS\nNow yah speak? Now that yah want to add to 'er lies yah find yer tongue.\nEpps goes to strike Solomon, but Patsey pulls his arm back.\nPATSEY\nDo not strike him. I went to Massa Shaw's plantation!\nEPPS\nYah admit it.\nPATSEY\nFreely. And you know why.\nPatsey takes soap from the pocket of her dress.\nPATSEY\nI got this from Mistress Shaw. Misstress Epps won't even grant me no soap ta clean with. Stink so much I make myself gag. Five hundred pounds 'a cotton day in, day out. More than any man here. And 'fo that I will be clean; that all I ax. Dis here what I went to Shaw's 'fo.\nEPPS\nYou lie --\nPATSEY\nThe Lord knows that's all.\nEPPS\nYou lie!\nPATSEY\nAnd you blind wit yer own covetousness. I don't lie, Massa. If you kill me, I'll stick ta that.\nEPPS\nOh, I'll fetch you down. I'll learn you to go to Shaw's. Platt, run get four stakes and straps a leather.\nAt first Solomon does not move. Epps level all his rage at him:\nEPPS\nGet them stakes!\nSolomon runs quickly to the tool shed. In short order he returns with the stakes and a hammer.\nEPPS\nDrive 'em into the ground.\nAs Solomon does so, Epps gives an order to Wiley and Edward.\nEPPS\nStrip her. Strike her bare 'n lash her to the stakes.\nMistress Epps has now come from the Great House. She gazes on the scene with an air of heartless satisfaction.\nNow tied face down to the stakes, Epps stands over Patsey with his whip.\nEPPS\nYah done this to yerself, Pats!\nThe slaves are now employed working on an extension to the Great House. Overseeing the project is MR. AVERY.\nEpps hoists the whip to strike, holds it high -- but no matter his rage, Epps cannot bring himself to deliver the blow. He looks to Mistress Epps who now stands gloating and spurring him on."

"To make my fortune, of course. I gave in to tales of wealth and prosperity that were the lore of the southern states: all that's needed being a patch of land and a few good growing seasons. Cotton, or tobacco. And then locating a proper bank to store your riches. But such profitable outcomes are reserved for the plantation masters. It's the lot of the rest of us to serve. So I settled to be an overseer, and failed as well at that. In the meantime my dreams gave way to reality. Now, I want nothing more than to earn a decent wage. And get myself home.\nArmsby takes another drink and leans back.\nARMSBY\nOh, to be a nigger. Not a concern in the world and every need taken care off. Consider yourself fortunate, Platt. It's the plight of the white to worry.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACKS - MORNING\nWe again hear the sound of the HORN BLOWING signaling the start of the work day for the slave.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - DAY\nWith the sun yet again high in the sky the slaves are working the field picking cotton. As before they sing a spiritual, the only thing that distracts them from the tedium at hand.\nBut there is no distracting from the heat. We see Uncle Abram begin to falter and finally drop down to the ground.\nTreach calls to Edward:\nTREACH\nGet him water.\nEdward runs to fetch water which he carries to Abram and DUMPS ON HIM BUT ABRAM DOES NOT RISE. DOES NOT MOVE.\nAt this point, the sounds of the singing from the others tapers off as they realize Abram isn't getting up.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - LATER\nWe are beyond the main of the plantation, the cotton field in the background. Solomon, Bob and Wiley are digging a grave in the dirt. The uncovered body of Abram lays near. Having dug down an appropriate distance, the three men take the body and, very unceremoniously, place it into the ground. That done, they begin to cover it with dirt. It is all the more of a funeral that Abram will receive.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - EVENING\nAs always, the day's pickings are again being weighed.\nTREACH\nOne hundred sixty pounds for Wiley.\nClearly displeased, Epps pulls Wiley from the line.\nEPPS\nPlatt?\nTREACH\nEighty eight pounds for Platt.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEpps moves to Solomon. As way of explanation but with defiance:\nSOLOMON\nWe buried Abram today --\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - LATER\nWE MAKE A QUICK CUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE GIN HOUSE. The reason for their low totals obviously doesn't matter as Solomon, Bob and Wiley receive a lashing for their lack of productivity.\nAs the last lash falls on his back, Epps moves directly to Solomon.\nEPPS\nYou are a disgrace. Unfit ta associate with a decent cotton-pickin' nigger. The Lord don't ignore even the lowest of his animals. But the Almighty hold you in such low regard He give you no skills. None. How miserable your shabbiness must be.\nbeat\nGet yerself clean. We dance tonight.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon lays down, but can't rest. The harshness of this life has mounted to the point he can take no more. He gets up, he goes to RETRIEVE THE SMALL SACK IN WHICH HE KEEPS HIS EARNINGS AS WELL AS HIS LETTER. But thinking better of it, Solomon returns the letter to hiding. He takes the money with him and cautiously moves from the cabin.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nSolomon is heading through the darkness toward another small cabin on the property. There is the light of the lantern in the window. Solomon steels himself, knocks on the door. From inside we hear:\nARMSBY (V.O.)\nEnter.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - ARMSBY'S SHACK - LATER\nThe door opens. Solomon enters. Armsby is surprised to see him. So much so, he isn't sure what greeting to give. Solomon gives a blunt introduction. Re: the coins:\nSOLOMON\nThe proceeds of my fiddling performances. A few picayunes, but all I have in the world. I promise them to you if you will do me the favor I require. But I beg you not to expose me if you cannot grant the request.\nARMSBY\nWhat is it you ask?\nSOLOMON\nFirst, your word, sir.\nARMSBY\nOn my honor.\nSOLOMON\nIt is a simple enough request. I ask only that you deposit a letter in the Marksville post office. And that you keep the action an inviolable secret forever. The details of the letter are of no consequence. Even at that, for me to write it would be a self-imposition of much pain and suffering.\nARMSBY\nWhere's the letter now?\nSOLOMON\nIt is not yet composed. I will have it in a day. Two at most.\nArmsby considers the request.\nARMSBY\nI will do as you ask. And will accept whatever payment is offered.\nSolomon hesitates. In the moment, he's not so sure he can wholly give himself over to trust.\nARMSBY\nTo assist you, I put my own self at risk. I will do so, but not without fair compensation.\nSolomon hands over the money.\nARMSBY\nCompose your letter. We will meet again. In two days?\nSOLOMON\nIn two days. Thank you.\nSolomon exits.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon rests but does not sleep. He has set himself on a course, one from which there is no departure.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - COTTON FIELD - DAY\nSolomon and the slaves pick cotton. Armsby is conspicuously NOT laboring in the field. As Solomon works he is watched by Epps. Watched more than he normally is. For a moment it seems it might just be a matter of perspective; Solomon's unease over his actions.\nBut soon Epps is joined by Armsby. The two men stand and talk, their looks locked toward Solomon.\nWhatever it is that is occurring between them continues for a long, long moment. But Epps makes no move toward Solomon. Solomon continues with his work.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nThe slaves are at rests. Gripping his whip Epps enters, without so much as a knock at the door. For a moment there's curiosity; is he there for a dance, for Patsey?\nLooking right to Solomon:\nEPPS\nGet up.\nPlanks of wood are being delivered and unloaded.\nSolomon does. Epps heads back out into the dark. He says nothing, but his directive is clear: Follow me.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - CONTINUOUS\nSolomon comes out into the dark. Nearly hidden in the shadows is a bitter Epps. Despite the lack of light, Epps's malevolence is quite clear. His whip twisting in his hand.\nEPPS\nWell, boy. I understand I've got a larned nigger that writes letters and tries to get white fellows to mail 'em.\nSolomon, hardly missing a beat, plays this off.\nSOLOMON\nDon't know nothing about it, Master Epps. Don't know nothing about it, sir.\nEPPS\nYah wasn't over with Armsby night before last?\nSOLOMON\nNo, master.\nEPPS\nHav'nt yah asked that fella to mail a letter fer yah at Marksville?\nWithout overplaying things, Solomon gets real slick.\nSOLOMON\nWhy, Lord, master, I never spoke but three words to him in all my life. I don't know what you mean.\nEPPS\nWell, Armsby tol' me today the devil was among my niggers. That I had one that needed close watchin' or he would run away. When I axed him why, he said you come over to him and waked him up in the middle of the night and wanted him to carry a letter to Marksville. What have yah got to say to that?\nSOLOMON\nAll I have to say, master, is all that need be said. There is no truth in it. How could I write a letter without ink or paper? There is nobody I want to write to 'cause I hain't got no friends living as I know of. That Armsby is a lying drunken fellow, they say, and nobody believes him anyway. You know I always tell the truth, and that I never go off the plantation without your given word. Now, master, I can see what that Armsby is after, plain enough. Didn't he want you to hire him for an overseer?\nEPPS\nYes.\nSOLOMON\nThat's it. He wants to make you believe we're all going to run away and then he thinks you'll hire an overseer to watch us. He just made that story out of whole cloth, 'cause he wants to get a situation. It's all a lie, master, you may depend on't.\nEpps shallow mind is so easily manipulated Solomon is able to work it as though he were performing origami. We can nearly see Epps's thoughts being folded.\nEPPS\nI'm damned, Platt, if I don't believe you tell the truth. He must take me for a soft, to think he can come it over me with them kind of yarns, musn't he? Maybe he think he can fool me. Maybe he thinks I don't know nothing -- Can't take care of my own niggers. Soft soap old Epps. Damn Armsby! Set the dogs on him, Platt. That filthy unloved bastard. He will not separate me from my niggers. I will drive him from my land before the sun comes over it. Ohh, were he not free and white, Platt. Were he not free and white.\nSolomon Northup is my name.\nEpps heads off to do as promised.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - NIGHT\nHaving found a lonely spot, Solomon has struck a small fire. He has in his hand his letter. With no ceremony, he casts it upon the flames and watches it burn.\nBLACK\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - DAY\nIt's the Sabbath. The slaves are left to themselves to do their own chores. At the moment they are down by the river washing their clothes in the water. Missing from the field of labor is Patsey, for whom Epps hollers.\nEPPS\nPatsey -- Patsey!\nEpps comes down to the bank and asks of the slaves:\nEPPS\nWhere is she? Where is Patsey?\nNo one answers.\nEPPS\nTalk, Damn you!\nPHEBE\nWe have no knowledge of her, Massa.\nEPPS\nThe hell you don't! You know where she is! She run off, ain't she? She's escaped, and you miserable black dogs stand like the deef and dumb. My best cotton picking nigger! My best. I'd give yah all up for her. Where she gone?\nNot a word spoken. Epps wades in and among the slaves and begins to whip at them recklessly.\nEPPS\nSpeak! Speak!\nThe slaves say nothing. There is nothing for them to say. They don't know where she is. Eventually Epps slows, then stops. He drops down in great sorrow.\nEPPS\nShe run off -- Pats run off.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nEpps sits on the piazza looking quite forlorn. He looks up only to see Patsey returning to the plantation. Epps steps up to greet her, with anger rather than relief.\nAs they hear his angry voice, the slaves step around from where they are hanging their laundry to dry.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEPPS\nRun off. Run off, did you?\nPATSEY\nMassa Epps--\nEPPS\nYou miserable wench! Where you been?\nPATSEY\nI been nowhere.\nEPPS\nLies to your misdeeds!\nPATSEY\nThe Sabbath day, Massa. I took me a walk to commune wit da Lord.\nEPPS\nBring the Lord into yer deceptions? Yah Godless... Shaw's. Comin' from Shaw's plantation weren't yah?\nPATSEY\nNo --\nEPPS\nYah didn't run, did yah? Yah took yerself ta pleasure Shaw. Yah gave baser passion to that unblushin' libertine!\nSolomon tries to intervene:\nSOLOMON\nMaster Epps--\nEPPS\nNow yah speak? Now that yah want to add to 'er lies yah find yer tongue.\nEpps goes to strike Solomon, but Patsey pulls his arm back.\nPATSEY\nDo not strike him. I went to Massa Shaw's plantation!\nEPPS\nYah admit it.\nPATSEY\nFreely. And you know why.\nPatsey takes soap from the pocket of her dress.\nPATSEY\nI got this from Mistress Shaw. Misstress Epps won't even grant me no soap ta clean with. Stink so much I make myself gag. Five hundred pounds 'a cotton day in, day out. More than any man here. And 'fo that I will be clean; that all I ax. Dis here what I went to Shaw's 'fo.\nEPPS\nYou lie --\nPATSEY\nThe Lord knows that's all.\nEPPS\nYou lie!\nPATSEY\nAnd you blind wit yer own covetousness. I don't lie, Massa. If you kill me, I'll stick ta that.\nEPPS\nOh, I'll fetch you down. I'll learn you to go to Shaw's. Platt, run get four stakes and straps a leather.\nAt first Solomon does not move. Epps level all his rage at him:\nEPPS\nGet them stakes!\nSolomon runs quickly to the tool shed. In short order he returns with the stakes and a hammer.\nEPPS\nDrive 'em into the ground.\nAs Solomon does so, Epps gives an order to Wiley and Edward.\nEPPS\nStrip her. Strike her bare 'n lash her to the stakes.\nMistress Epps has now come from the Great House. She gazes on the scene with an air of heartless satisfaction.\nNow tied face down to the stakes, Epps stands over Patsey with his whip.\nEPPS\nYah done this to yerself, Pats!\nThe slaves are now employed working on an extension to the Great House. Overseeing the project is MR. AVERY.\nEpps hoists the whip to strike, holds it high -- but no matter his rage, Epps cannot bring himself to deliver the blow. He looks to Mistress Epps who now stands gloating and spurring him on.To make my fortune, of course. I gave in to tales of wealth and prosperity that were the lore of the southern states: all that's needed being a patch of land and a few good growing seasons. Cotton, or tobacco. And then locating a proper bank to store your riches. But such profitable outcomes are reserved for the plantation masters. It's the lot of the rest of us to serve. So I settled to be an overseer, and failed as well at that. In the meantime my dreams gave way to reality. Now, I want nothing more than to earn a decent wage. And get myself home.\nArmsby takes another drink and leans back.\nARMSBY\nOh, to be a nigger. Not a concern in the world and every need taken care off. Consider yourself fortunate, Platt. It's the plight of the white to worry.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACKS - MORNING\nWe again hear the sound of the HORN BLOWING signaling the start of the work day for the slave.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - DAY\nWith the sun yet again high in the sky the slaves are working the field picking cotton. As before they sing a spiritual, the only thing that distracts them from the tedium at hand.\nBut there is no distracting from the heat. We see Uncle Abram begin to falter and finally drop down to the ground.\nTreach calls to Edward:\nTREACH\nGet him water.\nEdward runs to fetch water which he carries to Abram and DUMPS ON HIM BUT ABRAM DOES NOT RISE. DOES NOT MOVE.\nAt this point, the sounds of the singing from the others tapers off as they realize Abram isn't getting up.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - LATER\nWe are beyond the main of the plantation, the cotton field in the background. Solomon, Bob and Wiley are digging a grave in the dirt. The uncovered body of Abram lays near. Having dug down an appropriate distance, the three men take the body and, very unceremoniously, place it into the ground. That done, they begin to cover it with dirt. It is all the more of a funeral that Abram will receive.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - EVENING\nAs always, the day's pickings are again being weighed.\nTREACH\nOne hundred sixty pounds for Wiley.\nClearly displeased, Epps pulls Wiley from the line.\nEPPS\nPlatt?\nTREACH\nEighty eight pounds for Platt.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEpps moves to Solomon. As way of explanation but with defiance:\nSOLOMON\nWe buried Abram today --\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - LATER\nWE MAKE A QUICK CUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE GIN HOUSE. The reason for their low totals obviously doesn't matter as Solomon, Bob and Wiley receive a lashing for their lack of productivity.\nAs the last lash falls on his back, Epps moves directly to Solomon.\nEPPS\nYou are a disgrace. Unfit ta associate with a decent cotton-pickin' nigger. The Lord don't ignore even the lowest of his animals. But the Almighty hold you in such low regard He give you no skills. None. How miserable your shabbiness must be.\nbeat\nGet yerself clean. We dance tonight.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon lays down, but can't rest. The harshness of this life has mounted to the point he can take no more. He gets up, he goes to RETRIEVE THE SMALL SACK IN WHICH HE KEEPS HIS EARNINGS AS WELL AS HIS LETTER. But thinking better of it, Solomon returns the letter to hiding. He takes the money with him and cautiously moves from the cabin.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nSolomon is heading through the darkness toward another small cabin on the property. There is the light of the lantern in the window. Solomon steels himself, knocks on the door. From inside we hear:\nARMSBY (V.O.)\nEnter.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - ARMSBY'S SHACK - LATER\nThe door opens. Solomon enters. Armsby is surprised to see him. So much so, he isn't sure what greeting to give. Solomon gives a blunt introduction. Re: the coins:\nSOLOMON\nThe proceeds of my fiddling performances. A few picayunes, but all I have in the world. I promise them to you if you will do me the favor I require. But I beg you not to expose me if you cannot grant the request.\nARMSBY\nWhat is it you ask?\nSOLOMON\nFirst, your word, sir.\nARMSBY\nOn my honor.\nSOLOMON\nIt is a simple enough request. I ask only that you deposit a letter in the Marksville post office. And that you keep the action an inviolable secret forever. The details of the letter are of no consequence. Even at that, for me to write it would be a self-imposition of much pain and suffering.\nARMSBY\nWhere's the letter now?\nSOLOMON\nIt is not yet composed. I will have it in a day. Two at most.\nArmsby considers the request.\nARMSBY\nI will do as you ask. And will accept whatever payment is offered.\nSolomon hesitates. In the moment, he's not so sure he can wholly give himself over to trust.\nARMSBY\nTo assist you, I put my own self at risk. I will do so, but not without fair compensation.\nSolomon hands over the money.\nARMSBY\nCompose your letter. We will meet again. In two days?\nSOLOMON\nIn two days. Thank you.\nSolomon exits.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon rests but does not sleep. He has set himself on a course, one from which there is no departure.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - COTTON FIELD - DAY\nSolomon and the slaves pick cotton. Armsby is conspicuously NOT laboring in the field. As Solomon works he is watched by Epps. Watched more than he normally is. For a moment it seems it might just be a matter of perspective; Solomon's unease over his actions.\nBut soon Epps is joined by Armsby. The two men stand and talk, their looks locked toward Solomon.\nWhatever it is that is occurring between them continues for a long, long moment. But Epps makes no move toward Solomon. Solomon continues with his work.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nThe slaves are at rests. Gripping his whip Epps enters, without so much as a knock at the door. For a moment there's curiosity; is he there for a dance, for Patsey?\nLooking right to Solomon:\nEPPS\nGet up.\nPlanks of wood are being delivered and unloaded.\nSolomon does. Epps heads back out into the dark. He says nothing, but his directive is clear: Follow me.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - CONTINUOUS\nSolomon comes out into the dark. Nearly hidden in the shadows is a bitter Epps. Despite the lack of light, Epps's malevolence is quite clear. His whip twisting in his hand.\nEPPS\nWell, boy. I understand I've got a larned nigger that writes letters and tries to get white fellows to mail 'em.\nSolomon, hardly missing a beat, plays this off.\nSOLOMON\nDon't know nothing about it, Master Epps. Don't know nothing about it, sir.\nEPPS\nYah wasn't over with Armsby night before last?\nSOLOMON\nNo, master.\nEPPS\nHav'nt yah asked that fella to mail a letter fer yah at Marksville?\nWithout overplaying things, Solomon gets real slick.\nSOLOMON\nWhy, Lord, master, I never spoke but three words to him in all my life. I don't know what you mean.\nEPPS\nWell, Armsby tol' me today the devil was among my niggers. That I had one that needed close watchin' or he would run away. When I axed him why, he said you come over to him and waked him up in the middle of the night and wanted him to carry a letter to Marksville. What have yah got to say to that?\nSOLOMON\nAll I have to say, master, is all that need be said. There is no truth in it. How could I write a letter without ink or paper? There is nobody I want to write to 'cause I hain't got no friends living as I know of. That Armsby is a lying drunken fellow, they say, and nobody believes him anyway. You know I always tell the truth, and that I never go off the plantation without your given word. Now, master, I can see what that Armsby is after, plain enough. Didn't he want you to hire him for an overseer?\nEPPS\nYes.\nSOLOMON\nThat's it. He wants to make you believe we're all going to run away and then he thinks you'll hire an overseer to watch us. He just made that story out of whole cloth, 'cause he wants to get a situation. It's all a lie, master, you may depend on't.\nEpps shallow mind is so easily manipulated Solomon is able to work it as though he were performing origami. We can nearly see Epps's thoughts being folded.\nEPPS\nI'm damned, Platt, if I don't believe you tell the truth. He must take me for a soft, to think he can come it over me with them kind of yarns, musn't he? Maybe he think he can fool me. Maybe he thinks I don't know nothing -- Can't take care of my own niggers. Soft soap old Epps. Damn Armsby! Set the dogs on him, Platt. That filthy unloved bastard. He will not separate me from my niggers. I will drive him from my land before the sun comes over it. Ohh, were he not free and white, Platt. Were he not free and white.\nSolomon Northup is my name.\nEpps heads off to do as promised.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - NIGHT\nHaving found a lonely spot, Solomon has struck a small fire. He has in his hand his letter. With no ceremony, he casts it upon the flames and watches it burn.\nBLACK\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - DAY\nIt's the Sabbath. The slaves are left to themselves to do their own chores. At the moment they are down by the river washing their clothes in the water. Missing from the field of labor is Patsey, for whom Epps hollers.\nEPPS\nPatsey -- Patsey!\nEpps comes down to the bank and asks of the slaves:\nEPPS\nWhere is she? Where is Patsey?\nNo one answers.\nEPPS\nTalk, Damn you!\nPHEBE\nWe have no knowledge of her, Massa.\nEPPS\nThe hell you don't! You know where she is! She run off, ain't she? She's escaped, and you miserable black dogs stand like the deef and dumb. My best cotton picking nigger! My best. I'd give yah all up for her. Where she gone?\nNot a word spoken. Epps wades in and among the slaves and begins to whip at them recklessly.\nEPPS\nSpeak! Speak!\nThe slaves say nothing. There is nothing for them to say. They don't know where she is. Eventually Epps slows, then stops. He drops down in great sorrow.\nEPPS\nShe run off -- Pats run off.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nEpps sits on the piazza looking quite forlorn. He looks up only to see Patsey returning to the plantation. Epps steps up to greet her, with anger rather than relief.\nAs they hear his angry voice, the slaves step around from where they are hanging their laundry to dry.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEPPS\nRun off. Run off, did you?\nPATSEY\nMassa Epps--\nEPPS\nYou miserable wench! Where you been?\nPATSEY\nI been nowhere.\nEPPS\nLies to your misdeeds!\nPATSEY\nThe Sabbath day, Massa. I took me a walk to commune wit da Lord.\nEPPS\nBring the Lord into yer deceptions? Yah Godless... Shaw's. Comin' from Shaw's plantation weren't yah?\nPATSEY\nNo --\nEPPS\nYah didn't run, did yah? Yah took yerself ta pleasure Shaw. Yah gave baser passion to that unblushin' libertine!\nSolomon tries to intervene:\nSOLOMON\nMaster Epps--\nEPPS\nNow yah speak? Now that yah want to add to 'er lies yah find yer tongue.\nEpps goes to strike Solomon, but Patsey pulls his arm back.\nPATSEY\nDo not strike him. I went to Massa Shaw's plantation!\nEPPS\nYah admit it.\nPATSEY\nFreely. And you know why.\nPatsey takes soap from the pocket of her dress.\nPATSEY\nI got this from Mistress Shaw. Misstress Epps won't even grant me no soap ta clean with. Stink so much I make myself gag. Five hundred pounds 'a cotton day in, day out. More than any man here. And 'fo that I will be clean; that all I ax. Dis here what I went to Shaw's 'fo.\nEPPS\nYou lie --\nPATSEY\nThe Lord knows that's all.\nEPPS\nYou lie!\nPATSEY\nAnd you blind wit yer own covetousness. I don't lie, Massa. If you kill me, I'll stick ta that.\nEPPS\nOh, I'll fetch you down. I'll learn you to go to Shaw's. Platt, run get four stakes and straps a leather.\nAt first Solomon does not move. Epps level all his rage at him:\nEPPS\nGet them stakes!\nSolomon runs quickly to the tool shed. In short order he returns with the stakes and a hammer.\nEPPS\nDrive 'em into the ground.\nAs Solomon does so, Epps gives an order to Wiley and Edward.\nEPPS\nStrip her. Strike her bare 'n lash her to the stakes.\nMistress Epps has now come from the Great House. She gazes on the scene with an air of heartless satisfaction.\nNow tied face down to the stakes, Epps stands over Patsey with his whip.\nEPPS\nYah done this to yerself, Pats!\nThe slaves are now employed working on an extension to the Great House. Overseeing the project is MR. AVERY.\nEpps hoists the whip to strike, holds it high -- but no matter his rage, Epps cannot bring himself to deliver the blow. He looks to Mistress Epps who now stands gloating and spurring him on.To make my fortune, of course. I gave in to tales of wealth and prosperity that were the lore of the southern states: all that's needed being a patch of land and a few good growing seasons. Cotton, or tobacco. And then locating a proper bank to store your riches. But such profitable outcomes are reserved for the plantation masters. It's the lot of the rest of us to serve. So I settled to be an overseer, and failed as well at that. In the meantime my dreams gave way to reality. Now, I want nothing more than to earn a decent wage. And get myself home.\nArmsby takes another drink and leans back.\nARMSBY\nOh, to be a nigger. Not a concern in the world and every need taken care off. Consider yourself fortunate, Platt. It's the plight of the white to worry.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACKS - MORNING\nWe again hear the sound of the HORN BLOWING signaling the start of the work day for the slave.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - DAY\nWith the sun yet again high in the sky the slaves are working the field picking cotton. As before they sing a spiritual, the only thing that distracts them from the tedium at hand.\nBut there is no distracting from the heat. We see Uncle Abram begin to falter and finally drop down to the ground.\nTreach calls to Edward:\nTREACH\nGet him water.\nEdward runs to fetch water which he carries to Abram and DUMPS ON HIM BUT ABRAM DOES NOT RISE. DOES NOT MOVE.\nAt this point, the sounds of the singing from the others tapers off as they realize Abram isn't getting up.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - LATER\nWe are beyond the main of the plantation, the cotton field in the background. Solomon, Bob and Wiley are digging a grave in the dirt. The uncovered body of Abram lays near. Having dug down an appropriate distance, the three men take the body and, very unceremoniously, place it into the ground. That done, they begin to cover it with dirt. It is all the more of a funeral that Abram will receive.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - EVENING\nAs always, the day's pickings are again being weighed.\nTREACH\nOne hundred sixty pounds for Wiley.\nClearly displeased, Epps pulls Wiley from the line.\nEPPS\nPlatt?\nTREACH\nEighty eight pounds for Platt.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEpps moves to Solomon. As way of explanation but with defiance:\nSOLOMON\nWe buried Abram today --\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - LATER\nWE MAKE A QUICK CUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE GIN HOUSE. The reason for their low totals obviously doesn't matter as Solomon, Bob and Wiley receive a lashing for their lack of productivity.\nAs the last lash falls on his back, Epps moves directly to Solomon.\nEPPS\nYou are a disgrace. Unfit ta associate with a decent cotton-pickin' nigger. The Lord don't ignore even the lowest of his animals. But the Almighty hold you in such low regard He give you no skills. None. How miserable your shabbiness must be.\nbeat\nGet yerself clean. We dance tonight.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon lays down, but can't rest. The harshness of this life has mounted to the point he can take no more. He gets up, he goes to RETRIEVE THE SMALL SACK IN WHICH HE KEEPS HIS EARNINGS AS WELL AS HIS LETTER. But thinking better of it, Solomon returns the letter to hiding. He takes the money with him and cautiously moves from the cabin.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nSolomon is heading through the darkness toward another small cabin on the property. There is the light of the lantern in the window. Solomon steels himself, knocks on the door. From inside we hear:\nARMSBY (V.O.)\nEnter.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - ARMSBY'S SHACK - LATER\nThe door opens. Solomon enters. Armsby is surprised to see him. So much so, he isn't sure what greeting to give. Solomon gives a blunt introduction. Re: the coins:\nSOLOMON\nThe proceeds of my fiddling performances. A few picayunes, but all I have in the world. I promise them to you if you will do me the favor I require. But I beg you not to expose me if you cannot grant the request.\nARMSBY\nWhat is it you ask?\nSOLOMON\nFirst, your word, sir.\nARMSBY\nOn my honor.\nSOLOMON\nIt is a simple enough request. I ask only that you deposit a letter in the Marksville post office. And that you keep the action an inviolable secret forever. The details of the letter are of no consequence. Even at that, for me to write it would be a self-imposition of much pain and suffering.\nARMSBY\nWhere's the letter now?\nSOLOMON\nIt is not yet composed. I will have it in a day. Two at most.\nArmsby considers the request.\nARMSBY\nI will do as you ask. And will accept whatever payment is offered.\nSolomon hesitates. In the moment, he's not so sure he can wholly give himself over to trust.\nARMSBY\nTo assist you, I put my own self at risk. I will do so, but not without fair compensation.\nSolomon hands over the money.\nARMSBY\nCompose your letter. We will meet again. In two days?\nSOLOMON\nIn two days. Thank you.\nSolomon exits.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon rests but does not sleep. He has set himself on a course, one from which there is no departure.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - COTTON FIELD - DAY\nSolomon and the slaves pick cotton. Armsby is conspicuously NOT laboring in the field. As Solomon works he is watched by Epps. Watched more than he normally is. For a moment it seems it might just be a matter of perspective; Solomon's unease over his actions.\nBut soon Epps is joined by Armsby. The two men stand and talk, their looks locked toward Solomon.\nWhatever it is that is occurring between them continues for a long, long moment. But Epps makes no move toward Solomon. Solomon continues with his work.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nThe slaves are at rests. Gripping his whip Epps enters, without so much as a knock at the door. For a moment there's curiosity; is he there for a dance, for Patsey?\nLooking right to Solomon:\nEPPS\nGet up.\nPlanks of wood are being delivered and unloaded.\nSolomon does. Epps heads back out into the dark. He says nothing, but his directive is clear: Follow me.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - CONTINUOUS\nSolomon comes out into the dark. Nearly hidden in the shadows is a bitter Epps. Despite the lack of light, Epps's malevolence is quite clear. His whip twisting in his hand.\nEPPS\nWell, boy. I understand I've got a larned nigger that writes letters and tries to get white fellows to mail 'em.\nSolomon, hardly missing a beat, plays this off.\nSOLOMON\nDon't know nothing about it, Master Epps. Don't know nothing about it, sir.\nEPPS\nYah wasn't over with Armsby night before last?\nSOLOMON\nNo, master.\nEPPS\nHav'nt yah asked that fella to mail a letter fer yah at Marksville?\nWithout overplaying things, Solomon gets real slick.\nSOLOMON\nWhy, Lord, master, I never spoke but three words to him in all my life. I don't know what you mean.\nEPPS\nWell, Armsby tol' me today the devil was among my niggers. That I had one that needed close watchin' or he would run away. When I axed him why, he said you come over to him and waked him up in the middle of the night and wanted him to carry a letter to Marksville. What have yah got to say to that?\nSOLOMON\nAll I have to say, master, is all that need be said. There is no truth in it. How could I write a letter without ink or paper? There is nobody I want to write to 'cause I hain't got no friends living as I know of. That Armsby is a lying drunken fellow, they say, and nobody believes him anyway. You know I always tell the truth, and that I never go off the plantation without your given word. Now, master, I can see what that Armsby is after, plain enough. Didn't he want you to hire him for an overseer?\nEPPS\nYes.\nSOLOMON\nThat's it. He wants to make you believe we're all going to run away and then he thinks you'll hire an overseer to watch us. He just made that story out of whole cloth, 'cause he wants to get a situation. It's all a lie, master, you may depend on't.\nEpps shallow mind is so easily manipulated Solomon is able to work it as though he were performing origami. We can nearly see Epps's thoughts being folded.\nEPPS\nI'm damned, Platt, if I don't believe you tell the truth. He must take me for a soft, to think he can come it over me with them kind of yarns, musn't he? Maybe he think he can fool me. Maybe he thinks I don't know nothing -- Can't take care of my own niggers. Soft soap old Epps. Damn Armsby! Set the dogs on him, Platt. That filthy unloved bastard. He will not separate me from my niggers. I will drive him from my land before the sun comes over it. Ohh, were he not free and white, Platt. Were he not free and white.\nSolomon Northup is my name.\nEpps heads off to do as promised.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - NIGHT\nHaving found a lonely spot, Solomon has struck a small fire. He has in his hand his letter. With no ceremony, he casts it upon the flames and watches it burn.\nBLACK\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - DAY\nIt's the Sabbath. The slaves are left to themselves to do their own chores. At the moment they are down by the river washing their clothes in the water. Missing from the field of labor is Patsey, for whom Epps hollers.\nEPPS\nPatsey -- Patsey!\nEpps comes down to the bank and asks of the slaves:\nEPPS\nWhere is she? Where is Patsey?\nNo one answers.\nEPPS\nTalk, Damn you!\nPHEBE\nWe have no knowledge of her, Massa.\nEPPS\nThe hell you don't! You know where she is! She run off, ain't she? She's escaped, and you miserable black dogs stand like the deef and dumb. My best cotton picking nigger! My best. I'd give yah all up for her. Where she gone?\nNot a word spoken. Epps wades in and among the slaves and begins to whip at them recklessly.\nEPPS\nSpeak! Speak!\nThe slaves say nothing. There is nothing for them to say. They don't know where she is. Eventually Epps slows, then stops. He drops down in great sorrow.\nEPPS\nShe run off -- Pats run off.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nEpps sits on the piazza looking quite forlorn. He looks up only to see Patsey returning to the plantation. Epps steps up to greet her, with anger rather than relief.\nAs they hear his angry voice, the slaves step around from where they are hanging their laundry to dry.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEPPS\nRun off. Run off, did you?\nPATSEY\nMassa Epps--\nEPPS\nYou miserable wench! Where you been?\nPATSEY\nI been nowhere.\nEPPS\nLies to your misdeeds!\nPATSEY\nThe Sabbath day, Massa. I took me a walk to commune wit da Lord.\nEPPS\nBring the Lord into yer deceptions? Yah Godless... Shaw's. Comin' from Shaw's plantation weren't yah?\nPATSEY\nNo --\nEPPS\nYah didn't run, did yah? Yah took yerself ta pleasure Shaw. Yah gave baser passion to that unblushin' libertine!\nSolomon tries to intervene:\nSOLOMON\nMaster Epps--\nEPPS\nNow yah speak? Now that yah want to add to 'er lies yah find yer tongue.\nEpps goes to strike Solomon, but Patsey pulls his arm back.\nPATSEY\nDo not strike him. I went to Massa Shaw's plantation!\nEPPS\nYah admit it.\nPATSEY\nFreely. And you know why.\nPatsey takes soap from the pocket of her dress.\nPATSEY\nI got this from Mistress Shaw. Misstress Epps won't even grant me no soap ta clean with. Stink so much I make myself gag. Five hundred pounds 'a cotton day in, day out. More than any man here. And 'fo that I will be clean; that all I ax. Dis here what I went to Shaw's 'fo.\nEPPS\nYou lie --\nPATSEY\nThe Lord knows that's all.\nEPPS\nYou lie!\nPATSEY\nAnd you blind wit yer own covetousness. I don't lie, Massa. If you kill me, I'll stick ta that.\nEPPS\nOh, I'll fetch you down. I'll learn you to go to Shaw's. Platt, run get four stakes and straps a leather.\nAt first Solomon does not move. Epps level all his rage at him:\nEPPS\nGet them stakes!\nSolomon runs quickly to the tool shed. In short order he returns with the stakes and a hammer.\nEPPS\nDrive 'em into the ground.\nAs Solomon does so, Epps gives an order to Wiley and Edward.\nEPPS\nStrip her. Strike her bare 'n lash her to the stakes.\nMistress Epps has now come from the Great House. She gazes on the scene with an air of heartless satisfaction.\nNow tied face down to the stakes, Epps stands over Patsey with his whip.\nEPPS\nYah done this to yerself, Pats!\nThe slaves are now employed working on an extension to the Great House. Overseeing the project is MR. AVERY.\nEpps hoists the whip to strike, holds it high -- but no matter his rage, Epps cannot bring himself to deliver the blow. He looks to Mistress Epps who now stands gloating and spurring him on.ABLE ABLE TO SED"

"0adbd234f9cdde59e282f9b569bd12349c63a7761e78dad54902c142e29997f01"

"CAN'T BE THE SAME. IF THE DATA IS DIFFERENTo make my fortune, of course. I gave in to tales of wealth and prosperity that were the lore of the southern states: all that's needed being a patch of land and a few good growing seasons. Cotton, or tobacco. And then locating a proper bank to store your riches. But such profitable outcomes are reserved for the plantation masters. It's the lot of the rest of us to serve. So I settled to be an overseer, and failed as well at that. In the meantime my dreams gave way to reality. Now, I want nothing more than to earn a decent wage. And get myself home.\nArmsby takes another drink and leans back.\nARMSBY\nOh, to be a nigger. Not a concern in the world and every need taken care off. Consider yourself fortunate, Platt. It's the plight of the white to worry.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACKS - MORNING\nWe again hear the sound of the HORN BLOWING signaling the start of the work day for the slave.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - DAY\nWith the sun yet again high in the sky the slaves are working the field picking cotton. As before they sing a spiritual, the only thing that distracts them from the tedium at hand.\nBut there is no distracting from the heat. We see Uncle Abram begin to falter and finally drop down to the ground.\nTreach calls to Edward:\nTREACH\nGet him water.\nEdward runs to fetch water which he carries to Abram and DUMPS ON HIM BUT ABRAM DOES NOT RISE. DOES NOT MOVE.\nAt this point, the sounds of the singing from the others tapers off as they realize Abram isn't getting up.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - LATER\nWe are beyond the main of the plantation, the cotton field in the background. Solomon, Bob and Wiley are digging a grave in the dirt. The uncovered body of Abram lays near. Having dug down an appropriate distance, the three men take the body and, very unceremoniously, place it into the ground. That done, they begin to cover it with dirt. It is all the more of a funeral that Abram will receive.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - EVENING\nAs always, the day's pickings are again being weighed.\nTREACH\nOne hundred sixty pounds for Wiley.\nClearly displeased, Epps pulls Wiley from the line.\nEPPS\nPlatt?\nTREACH\nEighty eight pounds for Platt.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEpps moves to Solomon. As way of explanation but with defiance:\nSOLOMON\nWe buried Abram today --\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - LATER\nWE MAKE A QUICK CUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE GIN HOUSE. The reason for their low totals obviously doesn't matter as Solomon, Bob and Wiley receive a lashing for their lack of productivity.\nAs the last lash falls on his back, Epps moves directly to Solomon.\nEPPS\nYou are a disgrace. Unfit ta associate with a decent cotton-pickin' nigger. The Lord don't ignore even the lowest of his animals. But the Almighty hold you in such low regard He give you no skills. None. How miserable your shabbiness must be.\nbeat\nGet yerself clean. We dance tonight.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon lays down, but can't rest. The harshness of this life has mounted to the point he can take no more. He gets up, he goes to RETRIEVE THE SMALL SACK IN WHICH HE KEEPS HIS EARNINGS AS WELL AS HIS LETTER. But thinking better of it, Solomon returns the letter to hiding. He takes the money with him and cautiously moves from the cabin.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nSolomon is heading through the darkness toward another small cabin on the property. There is the light of the lantern in the window. Solomon steels himself, knocks on the door. From inside we hear:\nARMSBY (V.O.)\nEnter.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - ARMSBY'S SHACK - LATER\nThe door opens. Solomon enters. Armsby is surprised to see him. So much so, he isn't sure what greeting to give. Solomon gives a blunt introduction. Re: the coins:\nSOLOMON\nThe proceeds of my fiddling performances. A few picayunes, but all I have in the world. I promise them to you if you will do me the favor I require. But I beg you not to expose me if you cannot grant the request.\nARMSBY\nWhat is it you ask?\nSOLOMON\nFirst, your word, sir.\nARMSBY\nOn my honor.\nSOLOMON\nIt is a simple enough request. I ask only that you deposit a letter in the Marksville post office. And that you keep the action an inviolable secret forever. The details of the letter are of no consequence. Even at that, for me to write it would be a self-imposition of much pain and suffering.\nARMSBY\nWhere's the letter now?\nSOLOMON\nIt is not yet composed. I will have it in a day. Two at most.\nArmsby considers the request.\nARMSBY\nI will do as you ask. And will accept whatever payment is offered.\nSolomon hesitates. In the moment, he's not so sure he can wholly give himself over to trust.\nARMSBY\nTo assist you, I put my own self at risk. I will do so, but not without fair compensation.\nSolomon hands over the money.\nARMSBY\nCompose your letter. We will meet again. In two days?\nSOLOMON\nIn two days. Thank you.\nSolomon exits.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon rests but does not sleep. He has set himself on a course, one from which there is no departure.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - COTTON FIELD - DAY\nSolomon and the slaves pick cotton. Armsby is conspicuously NOT laboring in the field. As Solomon works he is watched by Epps. Watched more than he normally is. For a moment it seems it might just be a matter of perspective; Solomon's unease over his actions.\nBut soon Epps is joined by Armsby. The two men stand and talk, their looks locked toward Solomon.\nWhatever it is that is occurring between them continues for a long, long moment. But Epps makes no move toward Solomon. Solomon continues with his work.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nThe slaves are at rests. Gripping his whip Epps enters, without so much as a knock at the door. For a moment there's curiosity; is he there for a dance, for Patsey?\nLooking right to Solomon:\nEPPS\nGet up.\nPlanks of wood are being delivered and unloaded.\nSolomon does. Epps heads back out into the dark. He says nothing, but his directive is clear: Follow me.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - CONTINUOUS\nSolomon comes out into the dark. Nearly hidden in the shadows is a bitter Epps. Despite the lack of light, Epps's malevolence is quite clear. His whip twisting in his hand.\nEPPS\nWell, boy. I understand I've got a larned nigger that writes letters and tries to get white fellows to mail 'em.\nSolomon, hardly missing a beat, plays this off.\nSOLOMON\nDon't know nothing about it, Master Epps. Don't know nothing about it, sir.\nEPPS\nYah wasn't over with Armsby night before last?\nSOLOMON\nNo, master.\nEPPS\nHav'nt yah asked that fella to mail a letter fer yah at Marksville?\nWithout overplaying things, Solomon gets real slick.\nSOLOMON\nWhy, Lord, master, I never spoke but three words to him in all my life. I don't know what you mean.\nEPPS\nWell, Armsby tol' me today the devil was among my niggers. That I had one that needed close watchin' or he would run away. When I axed him why, he said you come over to him and waked him up in the middle of the night and wanted him to carry a letter to Marksville. What have yah got to say to that?\nSOLOMON\nAll I have to say, master, is all that need be said. There is no truth in it. How could I write a letter without ink or paper? There is nobody I want to write to 'cause I hain't got no friends living as I know of. That Armsby is a lying drunken fellow, they say, and nobody believes him anyway. You know I always tell the truth, and that I never go off the plantation without your given word. Now, master, I can see what that Armsby is after, plain enough. Didn't he want you to hire him for an overseer?\nEPPS\nYes.\nSOLOMON\nThat's it. He wants to make you believe we're all going to run away and then he thinks you'll hire an overseer to watch us. He just made that story out of whole cloth, 'cause he wants to get a situation. It's all a lie, master, you may depend on't.\nEpps shallow mind is so easily manipulated Solomon is able to work it as though he were performing origami. We can nearly see Epps's thoughts being folded.\nEPPS\nI'm damned, Platt, if I don't believe you tell the truth. He must take me for a soft, to think he can come it over me with them kind of yarns, musn't he? Maybe he think he can fool me. Maybe he thinks I don't know nothing -- Can't take care of my own niggers. Soft soap old Epps. Damn Armsby! Set the dogs on him, Platt. That filthy unloved bastard. He will not separate me from my niggers. I will drive him from my land before the sun comes over it. Ohh, were he not free and white, Platt. Were he not free and white.\nSolomon Northup is my name.\nEpps heads off to do as promised.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - NIGHT\nHaving found a lonely spot, Solomon has struck a small fire. He has in his hand his letter. With no ceremony, he casts it upon the flames and watches it burn.\nBLACK\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - DAY\nIt's the Sabbath. The slaves are left to themselves to do their own chores. At the moment they are down by the river washing their clothes in the water. Missing from the field of labor is Patsey, for whom Epps hollers.\nEPPS\nPatsey -- Patsey!\nEpps comes down to the bank and asks of the slaves:\nEPPS\nWhere is she? Where is Patsey?\nNo one answers.\nEPPS\nTalk, Damn you!\nPHEBE\nWe have no knowledge of her, Massa.\nEPPS\nThe hell you don't! You know where she is! She run off, ain't she? She's escaped, and you miserable black dogs stand like the deef and dumb. My best cotton picking nigger! My best. I'd give yah all up for her. Where she gone?\nNot a word spoken. Epps wades in and among the slaves and begins to whip at them recklessly.\nEPPS\nSpeak! Speak!\nThe slaves say nothing. There is nothing for them to say. They don't know where she is. Eventually Epps slows, then stops. He drops down in great sorrow.\nEPPS\nShe run off -- Pats run off.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nEpps sits on the piazza looking quite forlorn. He looks up only to see Patsey returning to the plantation. Epps steps up to greet her, with anger rather than relief.\nAs they hear his angry voice, the slaves step around from where they are hanging their laundry to dry.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEPPS\nRun off. Run off, did you?\nPATSEY\nMassa Epps--\nEPPS\nYou miserable wench! Where you been?\nPATSEY\nI been nowhere.\nEPPS\nLies to your misdeeds!\nPATSEY\nThe Sabbath day, Massa. I took me a walk to commune wit da Lord.\nEPPS\nBring the Lord into yer deceptions? Yah Godless... Shaw's. Comin' from Shaw's plantation weren't yah?\nPATSEY\nNo --\nEPPS\nYah didn't run, did yah? Yah took yerself ta pleasure Shaw. Yah gave baser passion to that unblushin' libertine!\nSolomon tries to intervene:\nSOLOMON\nMaster Epps--\nEPPS\nNow yah speak? Now that yah want to add to 'er lies yah find yer tongue.\nEpps goes to strike Solomon, but Patsey pulls his arm back.\nPATSEY\nDo not strike him. I went to Massa Shaw's plantation!\nEPPS\nYah admit it.\nPATSEY\nFreely. And you know why.\nPatsey takes soap from the pocket of her dress.\nPATSEY\nI got this from Mistress Shaw. Misstress Epps won't even grant me no soap ta clean with. Stink so much I make myself gag. Five hundred pounds 'a cotton day in, day out. More than any man here. And 'fo that I will be clean; that all I ax. Dis here what I went to Shaw's 'fo.\nEPPS\nYou lie --\nPATSEY\nThe Lord knows that's all.\nEPPS\nYou lie!\nPATSEY\nAnd you blind wit yer own covetousness. I don't lie, Massa. If you kill me, I'll stick ta that.\nEPPS\nOh, I'll fetch you down. I'll learn you to go to Shaw's. Platt, run get four stakes and straps a leather.\nAt first Solomon does not move. Epps level all his rage at him:\nEPPS\nGet them stakes!\nSolomon runs quickly to the tool shed. In short order he returns with the stakes and a hammer.\nEPPS\nDrive 'em into the ground.\nAs Solomon does so, Epps gives an order to Wiley and Edward.\nEPPS\nStrip her. Strike her bare 'n lash her to the stakes.\nMistress Epps has now come from the Great House. She gazes on the scene with an air of heartless satisfaction.\nNow tied face down to the stakes, Epps stands over Patsey with his whip.\nEPPS\nYah done this to yerself, Pats!\nThe slaves are now employed working on an extension to the Great House. Overseeing the project is MR. AVERY.\nEpps hoists the whip to strike, holds it high -- but no matter his rage, Epps cannot bring himself to deliver the blow. He looks to Mistress Epps who now stands gloating and spurring him on. AND SO ON AND SO FORTH"

"AND HERE WE GO AGAIN To make my fortune, of course. I gave in to tales of wealth and prosperity that were the lore of the southern states: all that's needed being a patch of land and a few good growing seasons. Cotton, or tobacco. And then locating a proper bank to store your riches. But such profitable outcomes are reserved for the plantation masters. It's the lot of the rest of us to serve. So I settled to be an overseer, and failed as well at that. In the meantime my dreams gave way to reality. Now, I want nothing more than to earn a decent wage. And get myself home.\nArmsby takes another drink and leans back.\nARMSBY\nOh, to be a nigger. Not a concern in the world and every need taken care off. Consider yourself fortunate, Platt. It's the plight of the white to worry.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACKS - MORNING\nWe again hear the sound of the HORN BLOWING signaling the start of the work day for the slave.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - DAY\nWith the sun yet again high in the sky the slaves are working the field picking cotton. As before they sing a spiritual, the only thing that distracts them from the tedium at hand.\nBut there is no distracting from the heat. We see Uncle Abram begin to falter and finally drop down to the ground.\nTreach calls to Edward:\nTREACH\nGet him water.\nEdward runs to fetch water which he carries to Abram and DUMPS ON HIM BUT ABRAM DOES NOT RISE. DOES NOT MOVE.\nAt this point, the sounds of the singing from the others tapers off as they realize Abram isn't getting up.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - FIELD - LATER\nWe are beyond the main of the plantation, the cotton field in the background. Solomon, Bob and Wiley are digging a grave in the dirt. The uncovered body of Abram lays near. Having dug down an appropriate distance, the three men take the body and, very unceremoniously, place it into the ground. That done, they begin to cover it with dirt. It is all the more of a funeral that Abram will receive.\nINT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - EVENING\nAs always, the day's pickings are again being weighed.\nTREACH\nOne hundred sixty pounds for Wiley.\nClearly displeased, Epps pulls Wiley from the line.\nEPPS\nPlatt?\nTREACH\nEighty eight pounds for Platt.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEpps moves to Solomon. As way of explanation but with defiance:\nSOLOMON\nWe buried Abram today --\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GIN HOUSE - LATER\nWE MAKE A QUICK CUT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE GIN HOUSE. The reason for their low totals obviously doesn't matter as Solomon, Bob and Wiley receive a lashing for their lack of productivity.\nAs the last lash falls on his back, Epps moves directly to Solomon.\nEPPS\nYou are a disgrace. Unfit ta associate with a decent cotton-pickin' nigger. The Lord don't ignore even the lowest of his animals. But the Almighty hold you in such low regard He give you no skills. None. How miserable your shabbiness must be.\nbeat\nGet yerself clean. We dance tonight.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon lays down, but can't rest. The harshness of this life has mounted to the point he can take no more. He gets up, he goes to RETRIEVE THE SMALL SACK IN WHICH HE KEEPS HIS EARNINGS AS WELL AS HIS LETTER. But thinking better of it, Solomon returns the letter to hiding. He takes the money with him and cautiously moves from the cabin.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nSolomon is heading through the darkness toward another small cabin on the property. There is the light of the lantern in the window. Solomon steels himself, knocks on the door. From inside we hear:\nARMSBY (V.O.)\nEnter.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - ARMSBY'S SHACK - LATER\nThe door opens. Solomon enters. Armsby is surprised to see him. So much so, he isn't sure what greeting to give. Solomon gives a blunt introduction. Re: the coins:\nSOLOMON\nThe proceeds of my fiddling performances. A few picayunes, but all I have in the world. I promise them to you if you will do me the favor I require. But I beg you not to expose me if you cannot grant the request.\nARMSBY\nWhat is it you ask?\nSOLOMON\nFirst, your word, sir.\nARMSBY\nOn my honor.\nSOLOMON\nIt is a simple enough request. I ask only that you deposit a letter in the Marksville post office. And that you keep the action an inviolable secret forever. The details of the letter are of no consequence. Even at that, for me to write it would be a self-imposition of much pain and suffering.\nARMSBY\nWhere's the letter now?\nSOLOMON\nIt is not yet composed. I will have it in a day. Two at most.\nArmsby considers the request.\nARMSBY\nI will do as you ask. And will accept whatever payment is offered.\nSolomon hesitates. In the moment, he's not so sure he can wholly give himself over to trust.\nARMSBY\nTo assist you, I put my own self at risk. I will do so, but not without fair compensation.\nSolomon hands over the money.\nARMSBY\nCompose your letter. We will meet again. In two days?\nSOLOMON\nIn two days. Thank you.\nSolomon exits.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nSolomon rests but does not sleep. He has set himself on a course, one from which there is no departure.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - COTTON FIELD - DAY\nSolomon and the slaves pick cotton. Armsby is conspicuously NOT laboring in the field. As Solomon works he is watched by Epps. Watched more than he normally is. For a moment it seems it might just be a matter of perspective; Solomon's unease over his actions.\nBut soon Epps is joined by Armsby. The two men stand and talk, their looks locked toward Solomon.\nWhatever it is that is occurring between them continues for a long, long moment. But Epps makes no move toward Solomon. Solomon continues with his work.\nINT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT\nThe slaves are at rests. Gripping his whip Epps enters, without so much as a knock at the door. For a moment there's curiosity; is he there for a dance, for Patsey?\nLooking right to Solomon:\nEPPS\nGet up.\nPlanks of wood are being delivered and unloaded.\nSolomon does. Epps heads back out into the dark. He says nothing, but his directive is clear: Follow me.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - SLAVE SHACK - CONTINUOUS\nSolomon comes out into the dark. Nearly hidden in the shadows is a bitter Epps. Despite the lack of light, Epps's malevolence is quite clear. His whip twisting in his hand.\nEPPS\nWell, boy. I understand I've got a larned nigger that writes letters and tries to get white fellows to mail 'em.\nSolomon, hardly missing a beat, plays this off.\nSOLOMON\nDon't know nothing about it, Master Epps. Don't know nothing about it, sir.\nEPPS\nYah wasn't over with Armsby night before last?\nSOLOMON\nNo, master.\nEPPS\nHav'nt yah asked that fella to mail a letter fer yah at Marksville?\nWithout overplaying things, Solomon gets real slick.\nSOLOMON\nWhy, Lord, master, I never spoke but three words to him in all my life. I don't know what you mean.\nEPPS\nWell, Armsby tol' me today the devil was among my niggers. That I had one that needed close watchin' or he would run away. When I axed him why, he said you come over to him and waked him up in the middle of the night and wanted him to carry a letter to Marksville. What have yah got to say to that?\nSOLOMON\nAll I have to say, master, is all that need be said. There is no truth in it. How could I write a letter without ink or paper? There is nobody I want to write to 'cause I hain't got no friends living as I know of. That Armsby is a lying drunken fellow, they say, and nobody believes him anyway. You know I always tell the truth, and that I never go off the plantation without your given word. Now, master, I can see what that Armsby is after, plain enough. Didn't he want you to hire him for an overseer?\nEPPS\nYes.\nSOLOMON\nThat's it. He wants to make you believe we're all going to run away and then he thinks you'll hire an overseer to watch us. He just made that story out of whole cloth, 'cause he wants to get a situation. It's all a lie, master, you may depend on't.\nEpps shallow mind is so easily manipulated Solomon is able to work it as though he were performing origami. We can nearly see Epps's thoughts being folded.\nEPPS\nI'm damned, Platt, if I don't believe you tell the truth. He must take me for a soft, to think he can come it over me with them kind of yarns, musn't he? Maybe he think he can fool me. Maybe he thinks I don't know nothing -- Can't take care of my own niggers. Soft soap old Epps. Damn Armsby! Set the dogs on him, Platt. That filthy unloved bastard. He will not separate me from my niggers. I will drive him from my land before the sun comes over it. Ohh, were he not free and white, Platt. Were he not free and white.\nSolomon Northup is my name.\nEpps heads off to do as promised.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - NIGHT\nHaving found a lonely spot, Solomon has struck a small fire. He has in his hand his letter. With no ceremony, he casts it upon the flames and watches it burn.\nBLACK\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - DAY\nIt's the Sabbath. The slaves are left to themselves to do their own chores. At the moment they are down by the river washing their clothes in the water. Missing from the field of labor is Patsey, for whom Epps hollers.\nEPPS\nPatsey -- Patsey!\nEpps comes down to the bank and asks of the slaves:\nEPPS\nWhere is she? Where is Patsey?\nNo one answers.\nEPPS\nTalk, Damn you!\nPHEBE\nWe have no knowledge of her, Massa.\nEPPS\nThe hell you don't! You know where she is! She run off, ain't she? She's escaped, and you miserable black dogs stand like the deef and dumb. My best cotton picking nigger! My best. I'd give yah all up for her. Where she gone?\nNot a word spoken. Epps wades in and among the slaves and begins to whip at them recklessly.\nEPPS\nSpeak! Speak!\nThe slaves say nothing. There is nothing for them to say. They don't know where she is. Eventually Epps slows, then stops. He drops down in great sorrow.\nEPPS\nShe run off -- Pats run off.\nEXT. EPPS'S PLANTATION - LATER\nEpps sits on the piazza looking quite forlorn. He looks up only to see Patsey returning to the plantation. Epps steps up to greet her, with anger rather than relief.\nAs they hear his angry voice, the slaves step around from where they are hanging their laundry to dry.\nEXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - GREAT HOUSE - DAY\nEPPS\nRun off. Run off, did you?\nPATSEY\nMassa Epps--\nEPPS\nYou miserable wench! Where you been?\nPATSEY\nI been nowhere.\nEPPS\nLies to your misdeeds!\nPATSEY\nThe Sabbath day, Massa. I took me a walk to commune wit da Lord.\nEPPS\nBring the Lord into yer deceptions? Yah Godless... Shaw's. Comin' from Shaw's plantation weren't yah?\nPATSEY\nNo --\nEPPS\nYah didn't run, did yah? Yah took yerself ta pleasure Shaw. Yah gave baser passion to that unblushin' libertine!\nSolomon tries to intervene:\nSOLOMON\nMaster Epps--\nEPPS\nNow yah speak? Now that yah want to add to 'er lies yah find yer tongue.\nEpps goes to strike Solomon, but Patsey pulls his arm back.\nPATSEY\nDo not strike him. I went to Massa Shaw's plantation!\nEPPS\nYah admit it.\nPATSEY\nFreely. And you know why.\nPatsey takes soap from the pocket of her dress.\nPATSEY\nI got this from Mistress Shaw. Misstress Epps won't even grant me no soap ta clean with. Stink so much I make myself gag. Five hundred pounds 'a cotton day in, day out. More than any man here. And 'fo that I will be clean; that all I ax. Dis here what I went to Shaw's 'fo.\nEPPS\nYou lie --\nPATSEY\nThe Lord knows that's all.\nEPPS\nYou lie!\nPATSEY\nAnd you blind wit yer own covetousness. I don't lie, Massa. If you kill me, I'll stick ta that.\nEPPS\nOh, I'll fetch you down. I'll learn you to go to Shaw's. Platt, run get four stakes and straps a leather.\nAt first Solomon does not move. Epps level all his rage at him:\nEPPS\nGet them stakes!\nSolomon runs quickly to the tool shed. In short order he returns with the stakes and a hammer.\nEPPS\nDrive 'em into the ground.\nAs Solomon does so, Epps gives an order to Wiley and Edward.\nEPPS\nStrip her. Strike her bare 'n lash her to the stakes.\nMistress Epps has now come from the Great House. She gazes on the scene with an air of heartless satisfaction.\nNow tied face down to the stakes, Epps stands over Patsey with his whip.\nEPPS\nYah done this to yerself, Pats!\nThe slaves are now employed working on an extension to the Great House. Overseeing the project is MR. AVERY.\nEpps hoists the whip to strike, holds it high -- but no matter his rage, Epps cannot bring himself to deliver the blow. He looks to Mistress Epps who now stands gloating and spurring him on. AND HERE ALSO"