Member-only story

The Middle Passage by Charles Johnson: A Haunting and Unforgettable Novel

Ivan Turner

·9.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Middle Passage: A Novel Charles Johnson

7 min read

1.6k View Claps

89 Respond

Save

Listen

Cover Of The Novel Middle Passage By Charles Johnson Middle Passage: A Novel Charles Johnson

Middle Passage: A Novel

by Charles Johnson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2771 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	217 pages

Charles Johnson's Middle Passage, published in 1990, is a groundbreaking novel that delves into the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. Through the eyes of Rutherford Calhoun, a former slave who has become a free man, Johnson explores the profound and lasting trauma inflicted upon the millions of Africans who were forcibly brought to the Americas.

Middle Passage is a powerful and unforgettable novel that has earned critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Fiction in 1990. It is a seminal work in African American literature and an important contribution to our understanding of American history.

Plot Summary

Middle Passage tells the story of Rutherford Calhoun, a former slave who has been freed from his chains but remains haunted by the horrors he has witnessed. Calhoun is now a sailor on board the Republic, a slave ship bound for the shores of America. As the ship sails across the Atlantic Ocean, Calhoun recounts his life story and the events that led to his enslavement.

Through Calhoun's memories, Johnson paints a vivid and harrowing picture of the slave trade. He describes the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions on the slave ships, the brutality of the crew, and the dehumanizing treatment of the slaves. Calhoun also recounts the horrors that he witnessed in Africa, where he saw his family and friends torn from their homes and forced into slavery.

As the Republic approaches its destination, Calhoun and his fellow slaves begin to plan a rebellion. They know that their chances of success are slim, but they are determined to fight for their freedom. The rebellion is ultimately unsuccessful, and Calhoun is left to confront the devastating consequences of slavery.

Themes

Middle Passage is a complex and multilayered novel that explores a wide range of themes, including:

Trauma and Memory: Calhoun's story is a powerful reminder of the profound and lasting trauma inflicted upon the millions of Africans who were enslaved. Johnson shows how trauma can shape a person's life and how it can be passed down from generation to generation.
Identity and Belonging: Calhoun struggles throughout the novel to find his place in the world. He is a former slave who is now a free man, but he is still haunted by the horrors he has witnessed. Calhoun's story raises questions about identity and belonging and about the ways in which our past can shape who we are.
Resistance and Rebellion: Despite the horrors he has endured, Calhoun never gives up hope. He is a symbol of resistance and rebellion, and his story inspires hope in the face of adversity.
History and Memory: Middle Passage is a powerful reminder of the horrors of the slave trade and of the importance of remembering this history. Johnson's novel helps to keep the memory of slavery alive and to ensure that the victims of this horrific crime are never forgotten.

Characters

Rutherford Calhoun is the central character in Middle Passage. He is a former slave who has been freed from his chains but remains haunted by the horrors he has witnessed. Calhoun is a complex and well-developed character, and his journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

In addition to Calhoun, Middle Passage features a cast of supporting characters who bring the novel's themes to life. These characters include:

Isaac: Isaac is a fellow slave who befriends Calhoun. He is a kind and compassionate man, and he provides Calhoun with much-needed support during their journey.
The Captain: The Captain is a cruel and heartless man who oversees the slave trade. He is a symbol of the brutality and dehumanization that was inherent in the slave system.
The Crew: The crew of the Republic is a diverse group of men who are united by their greed and their willingness to participate in the slave trade.
The Slaves: The slaves on the Republic are a diverse group of men, women, and children who have been torn from their homes and forced into slavery. They are the victims of the slave trade, and their stories are a powerful reminder of the horrors of this crime.

Historical Context

Middle Passage is set during the transatlantic slave trade, which began in the early 16th century and lasted for over 300 years. During this time, an estimated 12 million Africans were forcibly brought to the Americas to be enslaved.

The transatlantic slave trade was a horrific crime that had a profound impact on the lives of millions of people. It is a stain on our history, and it is important to remember this history and to learn from the mistakes of the past.

Importance

Middle Passage is an important novel for a number of reasons. It is a powerful and unforgettable story that sheds light on the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. It is also a valuable contribution to African American literature and American history more broadly.

Middle Passage is a novel that should be read by everyone. It is a reminder of the horrors of slavery and of the importance of remembering this history. It is also a story of hope and resilience, and it is a testament to the human spirit.

Charles Johnson's Middle Passage is a groundbreaking novel that delves into the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. It is a powerful and unforgettable story that explores the themes of trauma, memory, identity, and resistance. Middle Passage is an important novel that should be read by everyone.

Middle Passage: A Novel

by Charles Johnson

4.5 out of 5