Harriet tubman personal biography summary

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In one of her most notable accomplishments, she and Colonel James Montgomery travel up the Combahee River to rescue 750 enslaved women, men, and children from their plantations.

After her war service, Harriet feels somewhat lost at sea. Through this group, Harriet learns that her sister Mary and her children will soon be sold and separated from Mary’s husband, a free man.

She embarks on a perilous journey to Philadelphia, utilizing the Underground Railroad. Driven by a desire to free her family and others, she begins returning to Maryland to lead slaves to freedom, earning the moniker ‘Moses’.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harriet Tubman (Cynthia Erivo): A determined and courageous escaped slave who becomes a leader in the Underground Railroad, risking her life to guide others to freedom.
• Gideon Brodess (Joe Alwyn): The slave owner who is obsessed with recapturing Harriet and represents the cruel system of slavery.
• Marie Buchanon (Janelle Monáe): A free woman in Philadelphia who provides support and shelter to Harriet, aiding her in her mission.
• William Still (Leslie Odom Jr.): An abolitionist and writer who is a key figure in the Underground Railroad, assisting Harriet in her efforts.
• Bigger Long (Omar J.

  Dorsey): A ruthless slave hunter hired to track down and capture Harriet.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harriet: “I’m going to be free, or die.” – Spoken when Harriet decides to jump from the bridge rather than be captured and returned to slavery.
• Harriet: “Lord, I’m going to hold steady on to you, and you’ve got to see me through.” – Harriet’s prayer shows her deep reliance on faith for strength and guidance.
• Harriet: “We got to go free or die.

  She sews a quilt for them by hand, which she brings to John’s cabin once they are married. She marries a free man, John Tubman, but remains enslaved on the Brodess farm. In time she built a reputation and many Underground Railroad supporters provided her with funds and shelter to support her trips.

  During the Civil War, Tubman served as a nurse, cook, laundress, spy and scout.

  Despite the cold conditions, Harriet grows to love the town and helps her group build a home there. However, Harriet knows her actions have compromised her reputation as a trustworthy slave, and she considers running away. Harriet becomes frightened and distrustful of John but continues to carefully consider her plan. Harriet also learns of Nat Turner’s violent insurrection against slave holders and his capture and execution.

  Harriet intervenes to help a fellow slave avoid punishment from an overseer.

  After the Emancipation Proclamation she returned to Auburn where she lived the rest of her life. Although she is ambivalent about his methods, Harriet agrees.

  

  A saddened Harriet rescues several other slaves instead and leads them to Philadelphia. She earns a reputation as a vivid, skilled storyteller who takes great pride in her legendary accomplishments. When she makes the jump to freedom at the bridge, I almost jumped with her! Tubman is a well-known figure in American history and is best known for her heroic actions as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad.

  Starving, she returns to Miss Susan, who eventually brings her back to the Brodas plantation, complaining that Harriet is rebellious and unintelligent.

  Harriet matures into a young woman, and Brodas rents out her labor to other neighboring plantations, where she works outside cutting wood and in the fields. With donations and the proceeds of her vegetable garden she was able to support herself and those she helped.

  Perfect for classrooms, offices, or homes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Harriet features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact.