Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

MIDDLE PASSAGE, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"Middle Passage" is a poem by Robert Hayden, first published in 1962. The poem depicts the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade, which transported millions of Africans across the ocean to be sold into slavery in the Americas. The title refers to the middle leg of the triangular trade route that ships took between Africa, the Americas, and Europe.

Explanation:

The poem is written in free verse and is divided into three parts. In the first part, Hayden describes the horrific conditions of the slave ships, including the cramped quarters and the disease that ran rampant among the captives. In the second part, he gives voice to the slaves themselves, imagining their thoughts and feelings as they are forced to endure the brutal journey. In the final part, he reflects on the legacy of the slave trade and its impact on African American culture.

Poetic Elements:

Structure: The poem is divided into three parts, each with a distinct focus on the journey of the slaves. The first part sets the scene of the slave ship, the second part gives voice to the slaves themselves, and the third part reflects on the legacy of the slave trade.
Imagery: Hayden uses vivid imagery to convey the horrors of the slave trade, including descriptions of the cramped quarters, the disease that runs rampant among the captives, and the brutal treatment by the crew.
Repetition: The poem features repeated phrases and lines, including the refrain "Christ have mercy on us," which underscores the religious underpinnings of the slave trade.
Tone: The poem's tone is one of horror and condemnation, as Hayden exposes the inhumanity of the slave trade and its legacy.
Rhyme Scheme:The poem does not have a consistent rhyme scheme, as it is written in free verse.

Conclusion:

"Middle Passage" is a powerful and haunting poem that exposes the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. Through vivid imagery and repeated phrases, Hayden conveys the inhumanity of the trade and its impact on those who were forced to endure it. The poem's structure, with its three distinct parts, allows Hayden to explore different aspects of the journey and its legacy. Overall, "Middle Passage" stands as a powerful condemnation of one of the darkest chapters in human history.

Poem Snippet:

"Christ

have

mercy

on us" prayed the ones aboard,