While Harriet (2019) effectively portrays the emotional resilience and courage of Harriet Tubman, the film takes significant creative liberties with historical events and characters. Overall, it’s a stirring piece of entertainment that captures the spirit of Tubman’s life, but viewers should be aware that it is not a precise, documentary-style portrayal of historical reality.
The Life and Legacy Reimagined: Deconstructing Harriet
Harriet aimed to bring the story of Araminta “Minty” Ross’s transformation into the legendary Underground Railroad conductor to a wider audience. The film focuses on her escape from slavery in Maryland, her subsequent work guiding others to freedom, and her experiences as a spy and scout during the Civil War. However, to create a compelling narrative, the filmmakers employed dramatic license, blurring the lines between historical fact and fictional embellishment. While commendable for its intent to celebrate Tubman’s heroism, the film’s alterations necessitate a critical examination of its historical accuracy.
Key Fictionalizations and Historical Departures
The film’s inaccuracies stem from several sources: condensing timelines, combining multiple historical figures into single characters, exaggerating certain events for dramatic impact, and fabricating scenarios altogether. While biopics inevitably simplify complex historical realities, some choices in Harriet demonstrably deviate from established historical records.
- The Role of Walter: The character of Walter, the free Black man who aids Harriet’s escape, is a composite character. While many free Black individuals assisted escaped slaves, there’s no historical record of a single individual precisely mirroring Walter’s role in Harriet’s initial journey.
- Broddus: The depiction of Gideon Broddus, the son of Harriet’s enslaver and her former lover, is heavily fictionalized. While there is evidence that Broddus considered freeing Harriet (and perhaps entertained a romantic interest), the film’s portrayal of his obsessive pursuit and ultimate redemption is an oversimplification of a complex and likely less benevolent historical figure. Furthermore, the intense personal conflict presented between Harriet and Gideon is largely speculative.
- Harriet’s Vision: The film emphasizes Harriet’s visions as a direct line to God, guiding her path. While Tubman was undoubtedly deeply religious and believed in divine guidance, the film’s visual and auditory depiction of these visions is a dramatized interpretation of her internal convictions.
- The Dramatic Confrontations: The numerous violent confrontations and near-capture experiences dramatized in the film, while emotionally engaging, likely exaggerate the actual frequency and intensity of such events in Harriet’s Underground Railroad operations. Historical accounts emphasize her meticulous planning and careful execution, which minimized direct confrontations.
The Impact of Dramatic License
These fictionalizations, while designed to enhance the narrative’s emotional impact, carry the risk of misrepresenting historical reality. Viewers, especially those unfamiliar with Tubman’s life, may inadvertently accept these fictional elements as factual occurrences. This underscores the importance of viewing Harriet as a work of historical fiction rather than a strictly accurate biographical portrayal. It should inspire further research into the documented history rather than be taken as the definitive account.
Balancing Entertainment and Accuracy: A Delicate Act
The challenge for any historical biopic lies in striking a balance between historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. Harriet prioritizes emotional resonance and accessibility, sometimes at the expense of meticulous historical detail. This is a common, though not always justifiable, practice in filmmaking. The filmmakers aimed to reach a wider audience with a powerful message of courage and freedom, and they believed that certain dramatic liberties were necessary to achieve that goal. However, critics argue that these liberties can distort the historical record and create misconceptions about significant events and figures.
FAQs: Unraveling the Historical Truth Behind Harriet
H3: 1. Was Harriet Tubman truly called “Moses”?
Yes. Harriet Tubman was widely known as “Moses” within the abolitionist community and among the enslaved people she helped to freedom. This nickname alluded to the biblical figure who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
H3: 2. Did Harriet Tubman really have visions?
Harriet Tubman experienced head injuries as a young woman after being struck by a slave overseer. These injuries likely contributed to lifelong neurological symptoms, including seizures and vivid dreams. She interpreted these experiences as visions sent by God, providing guidance and strength.
H3: 3. How many trips did Harriet Tubman make on the Underground Railroad?
While the exact number is debated, historians generally agree that Harriet Tubman made around 19 trips back to Maryland to guide enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
H3: 4. Where did Harriet Tubman lead the people she rescued?
Initially, Tubman led people to freedom in the northern states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Canada. As the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 made it more dangerous to remain in the United States, she increasingly guided people to Canada, where slavery was illegal.
H3: 5. Did Harriet Tubman ever carry a gun?
Yes. Accounts suggest that Harriet Tubman carried a gun for protection and to maintain order among the people she was guiding. She reportedly threatened to shoot anyone who threatened to turn back, as this would endanger the entire group.
H3: 6. What was the significance of the hymn “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” in the film?
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” was a coded song used by enslaved people to signal escape attempts and the arrival of an Underground Railroad conductor. The lyrics referred to the Underground Railroad as a “chariot” that would carry them to freedom.
H3: 7. What role did Harriet Tubman play in the Civil War?
Harriet Tubman served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. She led the Combahee River Raid, a military operation that liberated over 700 enslaved people in South Carolina.
H3: 8. Was Harriet Tubman ever caught or captured?
No. Despite numerous attempts to capture her, Harriet Tubman was never caught by slave catchers or authorities. This is a testament to her intelligence, courage, and the effectiveness of the Underground Railroad network.
H3: 9. What happened to Harriet Tubman after the Civil War?
After the Civil War, Harriet Tubman dedicated her life to helping formerly enslaved people. She established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York, to provide care for elderly and impoverished African Americans.
H3: 10. Is there any evidence that Gideon Broddus experienced a change of heart?
While the film depicts Gideon Broddus experiencing a redemption arc, historical evidence offers limited support for this portrayal. While it is plausible that he may have struggled with the morality of slavery, there is no documented evidence of the dramatic change of heart depicted in the film.
H3: 11. What other sources can I consult to learn more about Harriet Tubman?
Numerous biographies, historical accounts, and primary sources document Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy. Some recommended sources include: Harriet Tubman: The Life and the Life Stories by Jean Humez; Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero by Kate Clifford Larson; and the collected papers and documents available at the Library of Congress.
H3: 12. How can I differentiate fact from fiction when watching historical biopics?
Critical viewing is essential when watching historical biopics. Consider the filmmaker’s intent and potential biases. Research historical events and figures independently to verify the accuracy of the film’s portrayal. Remember that biopics are often interpretations of historical events rather than definitive accounts.
Conclusion: Appreciating the Spirit, Examining the Details
Harriet offers a powerful and inspiring portrayal of a remarkable historical figure. However, viewers should approach the film with a critical eye, recognizing that it takes significant liberties with historical accuracy. By acknowledging the fictional elements and engaging with reliable historical sources, audiences can gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary life and enduring legacy. The film serves as a valuable starting point for exploring the complexities of her story, encouraging viewers to delve further into the rich and often challenging history of slavery and the Underground Railroad. The emotional impact of Harriet is undeniable, but informed viewing is crucial to separating historical fact from dramatic invention.