Middle Passage

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Consider the many characters Rutherford meets during his journey from New Orleans to the Republic.

• Select one of these characters and analyze what aspect of Western philosophy or identity they represent. (topic sentence)
• Describe one example of how this character demonstrates this identity.
• Are there any characters that do not fit into an expected philosophy or identity?

2. In Chapter 4, Captain Falcon remarks to Rutherford that “Dualism is a bloody structure of the mind. Subject and object, perceiver and perceived, self and other—these ancient twins are built into mind like the stem-piece of a merchantman.” Based on this quote, consider the following questions.

• Select one character from the novel: how does dualism fit into their narrative? (topic sentence)
• Find one example in which dualism is exemplified in this character’s struggle.
• In your conclusion, discuss whether the dualistic force wins in this character. Why or why not?

3. Given the first-person point of view as a recount of events, there is a consistent use of foreshadowing within the novel.

• How does foreshadowing function within this narrative? (topic sentence)
• Select one example of foreshadowing and discuss both the event that has been foreshadowed and the one that foreshadows it.
• What tone do you believe to be associated with the novel’s foreshadowing?

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Compare and contrast the Allmuseri to the Americans. Using Rutherford’s descriptions describe how their way of lives differ. How does the idea of dualism apply to both Western ways of living and Allmuseri ways of living? As both parties are trapped together on the Republic, do we see a change in their characters? Why or why not?

2. In Chapter 9, Rutherford muses on the following question in relation to Papa Zeringue: “Could evil such as his actually produce good? Could money earned from murder, lies, and slave trading be used for civic service?” Write an essay in which you take a stance on this question and argue your point. Be sure to include examples from the text in your essay.