The 2019 biopic Harriet offers a largely compelling and dramatically effective portrayal of Araminta “Minty” Ross’s transformation into the legendary Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman. While the film takes creative liberties for narrative pacing and emotional impact, it remains broadly accurate in depicting key events and themes of her life, including her escape from slavery, her work leading others to freedom, and her unwavering faith and courage.
Deconstructing the Harriet Narrative: Where Fact Meets Fiction
Biopics inherently face the challenge of compressing complex lives into a manageable timeframe. Harriet is no exception. To understand the film’s truthfulness, we need to examine its portrayal of specific aspects of Tubman’s life against historical records. While the core narrative of her escape, her leadership within the Underground Railroad, and her dedication to freeing enslaved people is undeniably rooted in fact, certain characterizations and events are either fictionalized or presented with a degree of artistic license.
The Character of Marie Buchanon: Fact or Fabrication?
One of the most discussed aspects of the film is the character of Marie Buchanon, a free Black woman who assists Harriet in Philadelphia. While a specific individual named Marie Buchanon has not been conclusively verified through historical records, the character represents the numerous free Black individuals who played a vital role in the Underground Railroad. These individuals provided shelter, resources, and vital information to escaping slaves. So, while Marie herself might be fictional, the role she plays is absolutely authentic to the historical reality of the Underground Railroad.
Gideon Brodess: A Composite of Evil?
The character of Gideon Brodess, Harriet’s former owner who relentlessly pursues her, is also a point of contention. While the Brodess family certainly owned and enslaved Harriet, the film portrays Gideon as a childhood friend turned relentless antagonist. The historical record suggests a different dynamic. Gideon was likely a younger relative of Harriet’s enslaver, and the intensity of his pursuit, while plausible given the value placed on “property” at the time, is dramatized for cinematic effect. Gideon, in essence, appears to be a composite character representing the broader systemic evil of slavery and the desperation of slave owners to maintain their grip on power.
The Power of Visions: Exaggerated or Authentic?
The film emphasizes Harriet’s visions and premonitions, portraying her as having a direct line to divine guidance. While Harriet Tubman was deeply religious and often spoke of receiving guidance from God, the film might amplify this aspect for dramatic purposes. Whether these visions were literal or a manifestation of her powerful intuition and unwavering faith is open to interpretation and reflects the complexities of her personal experiences.
The Impact of Harriet on Historical Understanding
Despite the inevitable fictionalization, Harriet serves a crucial role in bringing the story of this extraordinary woman to a wider audience. The film sparks conversation, encourages further research, and humanizes the often-mythologized figure of Harriet Tubman. By showcasing her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to freedom, Harriet provides a powerful entry point into understanding the horrors of slavery and the bravery of those who fought against it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Harriet
Q1: Did Harriet Tubman really lead hundreds of slaves to freedom?
Yes, Harriet Tubman is credited with leading approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad across multiple trips. The exact number is debated, but her contributions were undeniably significant.
Q2: How historically accurate are the depictions of the Underground Railroad in the movie?
The movie captures the essence of the Underground Railroad, portraying the clandestine networks, safe houses, and courageous individuals who risked their lives to help escaping slaves. While specific routes and events may be compressed or altered, the film accurately reflects the spirit and operation of this vital network.
Q3: Did Harriet Tubman really carry a gun?
Historical accounts suggest that Harriet Tubman carried a gun for protection and to maintain order among the escaping slaves. Some believe she used it to prevent anyone from turning back, which would endanger the entire group.
Q4: Was Harriet Tubman ever a scout and spy for the Union Army?
Yes, during the Civil War, Harriet Tubman served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army. She even led the Combahee River Raid, a military operation that freed over 700 enslaved people.
Q5: Is the film’s portrayal of the Brodess family accurate?
The portrayal of the Brodess family, particularly Gideon, is dramatized for the film. While the Brodess family did own and enslave Harriet, the extent of Gideon’s personal involvement and his relationship with Harriet are likely exaggerated for narrative effect.
Q6: Did Harriet Tubman really have visions or premonitions?
Harriet Tubman was deeply religious and often spoke of receiving guidance from God. The film amplifies this aspect, but the extent to which she experienced literal visions is a matter of interpretation. Regardless, her strong faith played a central role in her life and actions.
Q7: What were some of the biggest risks Harriet Tubman faced on the Underground Railroad?
Harriet Tubman faced constant danger from slave catchers, bounty hunters, and local authorities. She risked being captured, re-enslaved, and even killed. Furthermore, she risked the lives of those she was leading to freedom.
Q8: Did Harriet Tubman ever return to the South to rescue her family?
Yes, Harriet Tubman made multiple trips back to the South to rescue family members and other enslaved people. Her dedication to freeing her loved ones was a driving force behind her work.
Q9: What happened to Harriet Tubman after the Civil War?
After the Civil War, Harriet Tubman continued to fight for civil rights and advocate for the elderly and impoverished. She established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York, where she spent her final years.
Q10: What is the historical significance of Harriet Tubman’s Combahee River Raid?
The Combahee River Raid was a significant military operation led by Harriet Tubman that freed over 700 enslaved people and disrupted Confederate supply lines. It demonstrated her strategic abilities and leadership skills.
Q11: How can I learn more about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad?
There are numerous resources available, including biographies, historical documents, museum exhibits, and online resources. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a valuable resource for in-depth information.
Q12: What is the overall message of the film Harriet?
The film Harriet conveys a powerful message of courage, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. It highlights the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman and her significant contributions to the fight against slavery. While acknowledging the historical liberties taken, the movie succeeds in inspiring viewers to reflect on the legacy of slavery and the importance of fighting for justice.