Ford : I cannot hear that.
Datum 12 After helping Solomon, Ford brought him to his house because he was afraid that
Tibeats would come back to take revenge on Solomon. He explained to Solomon that Tibeats wanted Solomon to die and he would do everything in order to kill
him. Ford thought that his house was not safe for Solomon anymore. Therefore, Ford transferred Solomon to Epps. In a desperate state, Solomon told Ford that he
was a freeman. He tried to ask for Ford‘s help to release him. However, Ford refused his request since he was indebted.
In relation to this context, the negation in Ford‘s refusal is indicated by the particle not in the statement I cannot
. Therefore, Ford‘s refusal is categorized as direct type. Even though performing a direct refusal, Ford is not afraid to offend
Solomon because Solomon is his slave. As a slave master, he can do or say anything to all his slaves since slaves are considered as the master‘s properties.
b. Indirect Type
Indirect type is performed by the characters if they are indirectly refuse the request, offer, suggestion, or invitation. Indirect type is usually used by the
characters in order to lessen the negative impact of refusals or to maintain the relationship with the refusee. The distant relationship with the refusee is also one
of the reasons for performing indirect type. Moreover, the characters perform indirect type when they want to emphasize that the request, offer, suggestion, or
invitation is unreasonable or impossible to be performed. There are nine realizations of indirect type. However, only five realizations emerged. The
realizations of indirect type emerged in 12 Years a Slave are 1 the statement of
an alternative, 2 avoidance, 3 excusereasonexplanation, 4 the attempt to dissuade the interlocutor, and 5 the statement of a principlephilosophy.
1 The Statement of an Alternative
The statement of an alternative represents the speaker‘s attempt at
negotiating the request or offer in order to minimize the impact of refusals to the hearer Morkus, 2009: 138.
The following conversation between Solomon and Patsey is an example of indirect type by stating an alternative. Their conversation occurred in the middle
of the night when Patsey asked Solomon to end her life. Patsey
: How can you not know? I got nocomfort in this life. If I cant
buy mercy from yah, Ill beg it Solomon
: There are others.
Beg them. Datum 26
In datum 26, Patsey asked Solomon to end her life since she could not withstand the torture from both Epps and his wife. However, Solomon refused Patsey‘s
request. His refusal was realized in the statement There are others.
I n regard to this context, Solomon‘s refusal is classified as indirect type.
Solomon alternates Patsey to ask the other slaves‘ help in order to stop her from
asking for his help. By giving an alternative, Patsey‘s request can be fulfilled or it can be afforded to be realized. Even though Solomon gives an alternative to refuse
Patsey‘s request, he does not try to lessen the impact of his refusal since he angrily performs his refusal. He wants to show Patsey that she has annoyed him
by asking him to comply with her request.
2 Avoidance
There are two strategies which can be employed by the characters if they want to perform refusals by using avoidance. The strategies are called verbal and
non-verbal avoidance. The example of avoidance is in the conversation between Solomon and Patsey. Their conversation occurred in the middle of the night.
Patsey woke Solomon because she has a favor for Solomon. She asked Solomon to kill her.
Patsey :
There is God here God is merciful, and He forgives merciful acts. Wont be no hell for you.Do it. Do what I aint got
thestrength ta do myself
Solomon :
says nothing and backs to sleep
Datum 28 In reference to this context, Solomon‘s refusal is categorized as non-verbal refusal.
His non-verbal refusal is indicated by his decisions to go back to sleep instead of answering Patsey‘s request. Hence, it is classified as indirect type.
The next example of avoidance is in the conversation between Epps and Solomon. The conversation occurred in Epps‘ plantation. Epps looked for Patsey,
but he could not find her anywhere around his plantation. After seeing Patsey returned to the plantation, he accused her for trying to run away. Epps did not
believe when Patsey said that she went to the commune to pray. He even accused her for being a l
iar. Finally, Patsey told Epps that she went to Mrs. Shaw‘s plantation. Patsey‘s confession made Epps more furious. Then, he decided to
strike Patsey. However, Epps could not bring himself to deliver the strike. After that, he asked Solomon to strike Patse
y. However, Solomon refused Epps‘ request.
Epps : Beat her. Give her the whip. Give it all to her
Solomon : does not move
Datum 30 In regard to this context, Solomon‘s refusal is realized in the form of non-
verbal avoidance. Hence, it is classified as indirect type. Solomon‘s refusal is
indicated by his hesitation to whip Patsey. He also cannot bring himself to strike Patsey since they have a close relationship. However, Epps shoves the whip into
his hand and forces him to do the whip. An indirect refusal is performed because Solomon is not sure about what he should do. He hesitates to whip Patsey because
she is his fellow slave. On the other hand, his master asks him to whip her. The following conversation between Epps and Solomon is another example
of avoidance. The conversation occurred in Epps‘ plantation. A sheriff came to Epps‘ plantation to see Solomon.
He wanted to confirm that Solomon was the man whom he looked for. After confirming that Solomon was the right man, the
sheriff told Solomon th at he came with a man from Saratoga Solomon‘s
hometown. Solomon recognized the man and he approached him. The man was Mr. Parker, his acquaintance in Saratoga. However, Epps tried to stop Solomon in
approaching Mr. Parker because he thought that Solomon was still his slave. He asked Solomon to return, but Solomon did not listen to his request and still
walked to Mr. Parker. Epps
: Comeback here, boy.
Solomon : still walks toward Mr. Parker
Datum 31
In regard to this context, Solomon‘s refusal of Epps‘ request is an example of non-
verbal avoidance. Therefore, it is categorized as indirect type. Solomon‘s non-verbal avoidance is indicated by his action to still walk to Mr. Parker.
3 Excusereasonexplanation
Providing an excusereasonexplanation is one of the ways to indirectly refuse the request, offer, suggestion, or invitation. The characters can give a
specific or a non-specific excusereasonexplanation. An example of giving an excusereasonexplanation in refusing is in the conversation between Solomon and
Epps. The conversation occurred in Epps‘ plantation after Solomon fetched Patsey from Mr. Shaw‘s house. Epps thought that Solomon said something to Patsey.
Epps : Whatd you just now tell her? Whatd you say to Pats?
Solomon : No words were spoken. None of consequence.
Datum 20 After returning from Mrs. Shaw‘s house, drunken Epps called Patsey
because he wanted Patsey to come closer. However, Solomon asked Patsey to walk away because he believed that Epps would harm her. Then, Epps tried to
catch Patsey since she ignored him. Solomon who walked behind Patsey tried to stop Epps. After that, Epps asked Solomon to tell him what Solomon has said to
Patsey because he knew that Solomon said something to her. However, Solomon refused Epps‘ request.
In relation to this context, the realization of Solomon‘s refusal is in the
form of giving an excuse. Hence, Solomon‘s refusal is categorized as indirect type.
No words were spoken. None of consequence is an excuse which is stated by
Solomon. Although he asks Patsey to walk away, he tells Epps that he says nothing. Therefore, there is no consequence for him. He performs an indirect
refusal in order not to offend Epps since Epps is his master. Another consideration of performing an indirect refusal is Epps‘ drunken state. Solomon can make Epps
more furious if he offends him. The next example of giving an excusereasonexplanation is in the
conversation between Solomon and Patsey. Their conversation occurred in Mr. Shaw‘s terrace. Solomon asked Patsey to return to Epps‘ plantation.
Solomon : Patsey, Master wishes you to return. Patsey
: Sabbath day. Is free ta roam.
Datum 17 Solomon went to Mrs. Shaw‘s house in order to look for Patsey. After finding
Patsey, he asked her to return because Epps wanted her to come back. Although Solomon asked Patsey to return, she refused the request.
In regard to this context, Patsey‘s refusal is classified as indirect type since she implicitly refuses the request. Patsey provides an explanation by saying
Sabbath day. I’s free ta roam in order to show her refusal. On Sabbath day, all slaves are allowed to do their own chores. By providing an explanation, she tries
to avoid offending Solomon and tries to maintain her relationship with him. Another example is in the conversation between Solomon and Patsey. The
conversation happened in Epps‘ slave shack. In the middle of the night, Patsey woke Solomon and gave him a ring.
Solomon : Return it Patsey
: It yours, Platt.
Datum 23
Patsey gave Solomon a ring because she has a request for him. Then, Patsey explained to Solomon that she took the ring from Mrs. Epps. Knowing the real
owner of the ring, Solomon asked Patsey to return it. However, Patsey refused the request.
In reference to this context, Patsey‘s refusal is categorized as indirect type since she indirectly refuses the request. She states an explanation in order to
refuse Solomon‘s request. She explains to Platt that the ring is now his. Therefore, she does not need to return it to Mrs. Epps. By performing an indirect refusal, she
tries not to offend Solomon since she has a favor.
4 The Attempt to Dissuade the Interlocutor
In the attempt to dissuade the interlocutor, the characters try to persuade the refusee. Therefore, they do not need to comply with the request, offer, suggestion,
or invitation. There are several strategies which can be employed by the characters.
The strategies include criticisms and self-defense.
The conversation among Solomon, Clemens, and John is an example of refusing by dissuading the interlocutor
. The conversation occurred in Burch‘s dungeon yard. They discussed how they could get out from the dungeon and be
free from slavery. Solomon
: We need a sympathetic ear. An opportunity to explain our
situation Clemens
: Who in your estimation is that sympathetic ear?
Solomon :
The two men I journeyed with. Im certain theyre making inquires at this very moment
Clemens :
I would be just as certain they are counting the money paid for delivering you to this place
Datum 1
Solomon thought that kidnapping and imprisoning free men were considered as a crime. He had an idea of how to be free from the dungeon. He said that they
needed sympathetic ears or people who were willing to listen to the truth behind their slavery. Therefore, they could help them to get out from the dungeon. Then,
Clemens asked him about who the sympathetic ears were. Solomon suggested that
the two men whom he journeyed with could help them. However, Clemens refused the suggestion because he thought that Solomon‘s journey companions
c ould not be trusted. He criticized Solomon‘s idea of asking for help from the men
he journeyed with. Further, he said that they were paid for delivering Solomon to the dungeon.
In reference to this context, the statement I would be just as certain they are counting the money paid for delivering you to this place which is stated by
Clemens is an example of dissuading the interlocutor. The statement is a criticism of Solomon‘s idea. Hence, Clemens‘ refusal is classified as indirect type.
Clemens performs an
indirect refusal because he wants to emphasize that Solomon‘s suggestion is impossible to be performed. Solomon barely knows the two men he
talks about. Therefore, Clemens thinks that it is impossible to ask help from them. The next example of the attempt to dissuade the interlocutor is in the
conversation between Solomon and Patsey. Their conversation occurred in Ford‘s slave shack. Solomon asked Eliza to stop crying because she had been crying for
days.
Solomon :
Stop. Stop your wailing. You let yourself be overcome by sorrow. You will drown in it.
Eliza :
Have you stopped crying for your children? You make no
sounds, but will you ever let them go in your heart? Datum 10
In regard to this context, Eliza‘s refusal is realized through criticism. Th
erefore, her refusal is classified as indirect type. Eliza refuses Solomon‘s request because she thinks that crying is her only way to weep for her children.
Since Ford buys her, she is separated from her beloved children. Her loss of her children has not diminished. Therefore, she criticizes Solomon when he asks her
to stop crying. She says that actually Solomon, who is a father, also weeps for his children. He might look fine, but deep in his heart he also cries for his children.
The following conversation between Solomon and Tibeats is also an example of the attempt to dissuade the interlocutor. Their conversation happened
in Ford‘s work area. Solomon suggested Ford and Tibeats to transport the logs through the river. However, Tibeats did not agree with S
olomon‘s suggestion. Solomon: The creek is plenty deep enough to sail, even with a boat full of
load. The distance from the work area to the point on the latter bayou is several miles by water fewer than land. It occurs to me
that the expense of the transportation would be materially diminished --
Tibeats : Materially diminished?
Datum 6 Solomon gave Ford and Tibeats an explanation that the creek was deep enough to
sail the logs through the river. Moreover, he told Ford and Tibeats that the distance between the work areas to the last bayou was several mile closer if the
logs were sailed through the river. Thus, sailing the logs through the river could
minimize the expense of the transportation. Even though transporting the logs through the river was advan
tageous, Tibeats refused Solomon‘s suggestion. In relation to this context, Tibeats‘ refusal is categorized as indirect type
since it contains criticisms. Tibeats‘ criticism is indicated by Tibeats‘ tone and expression when refusing the suggestion. He speaks in a ridiculing intonation and
expression because he wants to emphasize that Solomon‘s suggestion is unreasonable. In other words, Tibeats does not indicate that he tries to lessen the
impact of refusals Another example of the attempt to dissuade the interlocutor is in the
following conversation. The conversation happened in Epps‘ plantation. The participants of the conversation were Epps and Solomon. Epps chased Solomon
because Solomon did not tell him the truth. Epps
: Come here
Solomon : I got her, just as instructed. Datum 22
After fetching Patsey from Mrs. Shaw‘s house, Solomon asked her to avoid Epps because Epps was too drunk. Epps knew that Solomon said something to
Patsey. However, Solomon refused Epps‘ request to tell him what he has said to her. Hence, he chased Solomon and tried to attack him with a knife. Epps kept
asking Solomon to come closer. Afraid of being attacked by Epps, Solomon refused Epps‘ request.
In relation to this context, Solomon‘s refusal is categorized as indirect type because he uses self-
defense in order to refuse the request. Solomon‘s self-defense is indicated in the statement I got her, just as instructed. He indirectly refuses the
request because Epps is his master. Refusing Epps‘ request by employing direct refusals is considered as an impolite manner. Furthermore, Epps is too drunk.
Solomon can cause Epps more furious if he directly refuses his request.
5 The Statement of a Principlephilosophy
In the statement of a principlephilosophy, the refusers try to mitigate the impact of refusals Morkus, 2009: 142. The conversation among Solomon,
Clemens, Ray, and Robert is an example of refusing by stating a principlephilosophy. The conversation occurred in the ship hold. They discussed
the fight against the people who kidnapped them. Roberts
: I say we fight.
Solomon :
The crew is fairly small. If it were well planned, I believe they could be strong armed
Clemens :
Three can’t stand against a whole crew. The rest here are
niggers, born and bred slaves. Niggers ain‘t got the stomach for a fight, not a damn one.
Datum 3 Roberts and Solomon suggested that they had to fight in order to escape from
slavery. Although the crew was small in number, they could be strong fighters if they were well planned. However, Clemens refused their idea because he thought
that they did not have enough crew. He used a philosophy that three people could not win a fight against a whole crew. Furthermore, he explained that the other
niggers were born and bred slaves. They did not have any courage to fight. In relation to this context, Clemens‘ statement Three can’t stand against a
whole crew is an example of refusing by stating a philosophy. Hence, Clemens‘
refusal is categorized as indirect type. He performs an indirect refusal because he does not have an intimate relationship with Roberts and Solomon. He makes his
general belief as his refusal in order not to offend them. Furthermore, he provides an explanation about the slaves in order to make Roberts and Solomon understand
that their idea cannot be performed. Another example of giving a statement of principlephilosophy is in datum
21. The conversation occurred between Epps and Solomon. Epps
: Lie Damned liar Saw you talkin with er. Tell me
Solomon : I cannot speak of what did not occur.
Datum 21 Epps asked Solomon to tell him what he has said to Patsey. However, Solomon
refused the request by stating his principle. With regard to this context, Solomon‘s refusal is classified as indirect type since Solomon refuses the request by stating
his principle. Solomon‘s principle is reinforced with the statement I cannot speak of what did not occur. In other words, he commits himself not to tell a lie. He
indirectly refuses Epps‘ request because Epps is his master.
c. Adjuncts to Refusals
