The Zong Case: Slavery, Abolition, and the Zong Massacre: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

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In 1781, 132 slaves on the British slave ship the Zong were thrown overboard enroute from Africa to Jamaica. "The Zong massacre" and resulting insurance dispute played a key role in 18-19th century abolitionist movements. The case is taken up in writings by Clarkson, Equiano, Cugoano, Hazlitt & in a Turner painting, but it has shaped how we understand conditions for modernity broadly, including notions of personhood. Course examines significance of Zong massacre with interdisciplinary perspectives on space & ecology of slave ships, figures of maroons & slavewomen in literature, metaphors of colonial disease. Readings & visuals: 19th century literature (More, Clarkson, Clarke), contemporary reflections (Dabydeen, DAguair, Rankine, Philips).