Christopher Freeburg challenges the imperative to study black social life and slavery and its aftereffects through the lenses of freedom, agency, and domination and instead examines how enslaved Africans created meaning through spirituality, thought, and artistic creativity separate and alongside concerns about freedom.
The book delves into Melville's exploration of racial differences in 19th-century America, focusing on the concept of 'blackness' within his literary works. Freeburg provides a critical analysis of how Melville addresses themes of race, identity, and societal perceptions, offering insights into the complexities of racial dynamics during that era. Through this examination, the author sheds light on the broader implications of Melville's narratives in relation to contemporary discussions on race.