1. Diamelo makes up many new rules that favor the Allmuseri and to which the Americans must submit. What winds up being the only one of these rules that is actually followed?

2. When another storm comes up, Ngonyama helps Rutherford up to the deck just as an explosion rocks the boat. What appears to be the cause of the explosion?

3. When Cringle decides to begin the mutiny and sends Rutherford to Falcon's cabin, what happens to Fletcher?

4. One night, Cringle tells Rutherford about his father. How does Cringle describe his father's attitude towards money and the rich?

5. After Rutherford is thrown into the water, he sees the Allmuseri grabbing onto wood and debris to stay afloat; however, they are still very close to the ship. What happens to nearly all of the Allmuseri when the ship goes below the surface?

6. Rutherford begins daydreaming about Isadora. What does he see himself doing in his daydream?

7. After Rutherford helps throw the boy's corpse overboard, he is left with a piece of the boy's rotting flesh in his hand. What feeling does this experience leave him with?

8. The night Rev. Chandler dies, he dismisses both brothers from his service. What does Rev. Chandler specifically tell Jackson about his efforts to help him?

9. What is the attitude and behavior of Diamelo, one of the Allmuseri men who led the rebellion, towards the Americans?

10. Captain Falcon tells Rutherford the names of the Republic's three financiers. Who are they?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and explain how the events that took place during the voyage to and from Bangalang cause Rutherford to move from resistance to, to willingness to, marry Isadora. Back up your argument with proof from the text.

Essay Topic 2

During their first meeting, Captain Falcon told Rutherford that by the end of the trip he would be a "man's man." Did this prediction come true? Support your argument, for or against, with proof and examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Perhaps the most prevalent themes in Middle Passage are those of deception, blackmail, and stealing. Choose one of the following characters and demonstrate, backing up your arguments from the book, how these themes were evidenced in the character's behavior:

1) Isadora

2) Zeringue

3) Ngonyama

4) Squibb

5) Diamelo

(see the answer keys)

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