Middle Passage (Poem) Summary
Robert Hayden

Middle Passage (Poem) Overview

"Middle Passage" is a poem by Robert Hayden. The poem illustrates the journey of a slave ship from Cuba to the United States and a mutiny that takes place onboard from multiple perspectives. The speakers reflect on the system of slavery, where they fit into the hierarchies, and the Christian ideals that govern their behavior or fail to do so. The poem explores the themes of religious hypocrisy and the strength of the ocean.