Middle Passage (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Charles R. Johnson |
| Products | Historical novel |
Middle Passage (1990) is a historical novel authored by American writer Charles R. Johnson, focusing on the last journey of an illicit American slave ship during the Middle Passage era. Set in the year 1830, the narrative delves into the unlawful slave trade through the experiences of Rutherford Calhoun, a freedman who clandestinely boards a slave vessel headed for Africa to evade an arranged marriage. This work received the 1990 U.S. National Book Award for Fiction.
Plot summary
To escape a forced marriage to Isadora Bailey—who persuaded his creditor, Papa Zeringue, to enforce the union—Rutherford Calhoun flees New Orleans and secretly embarks on the Republic. Once discovered, he is compelled to labor without compensation as the ship sails toward Africa to capture members of the Allmuseri tribe for enslavement. Initially self-centered, Calhoun gradually becomes aware of slavery’s harsh truths, cultivating a profound respect for both humanity and his nation.
The Republic is commanded by Captain Ebenezer Falcon, a philosophical yet authoritarian leader who also traffics in cultural relics, including an object he asserts to be the deity of the Allmuseri. Superstitions arise among the crew amid a series of mysterious occurrences, culminating in a violent storm and attempts at mutiny. After liberating themselves from their chains, the Allmuseri take control of the vessel; Calhoun convinces them to spare the remaining white sailors and help navigate back to Africa. Following Falcon’s suicide and further chaos—including the killing of first mate Peter Cringle—the ship falls into disrepair.
The rescue by the ship Juno reunites Calhoun with Isadora, who faces pressure to marry Papa Zeringue, co-owner of the Republic. Armed with the ship’s log that reveals Zeringue’s illegal dealings, Calhoun bargains for freedom for both Isadora and Santos, Zeringue’s black servant linked to the Allmuseri. Profoundly changed by his journey and mystical experiences aboard the Republic, Calhoun resolves his personal struggles and accepts responsibility toward others. Ultimately, Isadora leaves Zeringue and weds Rutherford.
Characters in Middle Passage
- Captain Ebenezer Falcon: The Republic’s captain, an experienced sailor engaged in unlawful slave trading.
- Rutherford Calhoun: The freed slave protagonist who stows away on the Republic.
- Ngonyama: An Allmuseri tribesman transported on board; assumes command following a mutiny.
- Isadora Bailey: A schoolteacher whom Calhoun initially avoids marrying but ultimately weds.
- Papa: Calhoun’s creditor and part proprietor of the Republic.
- Peter Cringle: First Mate, regarded by Calhoun as possessing strong morals.
- Josiah Squibb: The ship’s cook; Calhoun assists him during the voyage.
- Baleka: A young Allmuseri girl under Calhoun’s care.
See also
- Middle Passage, a significant segment of the Atlantic slave trade route