Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo"

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2018

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction

Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-8

Chapters 9-12

Appendix

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

In West African traditions, a griot is a storyteller responsible for preserving people’s genealogies, histories, and traditions. In what ways does Kossola function as a griot? What about Hurston?

In Chapter 5, Kossola speaks at length about the king of Dahomey and King Akia’on of Takkoi, their actions, their priorities, and their values. Compare and contrast the two kings. From Kossola’s perspective, who is the antagonist, and who does he cast as a tragic hero?

Why do you think the book is titled Barracoon? Explain what you think the title emphasizes about Kossola’s story and what assumptions the reader might make based on the title.