How did physical resistance manifest during the journey on slave ships?

Physical resistance during the journey on slave ships often manifested through acts of defiance, one of the most significant being the refusal to eat. This form of resistance was a way for enslaved individuals to protest their captivity and the brutal conditions they were enduring. By going on hunger strikes, they would communicate their despair and resistance to their circumstances, as well as their determination to resist the dehumanizing situation they were forced into.

Choosing to refuse food was a profound statement, as it challenged the control that the crew had over them. It also reflected a determination to maintain some agency over their own bodies, even under the direst of circumstances. Many enslaved individuals believed that refusing to eat was a way to reclaim power or to die instead of living as slaves, showcasing the extent of their resistance to the horrific conditions aboard the ships.

The other options, while they reflect aspects of culture, social dynamics, or survival strategies, did not primarily encapsulate the physical resistance experienced during the Middle Passage, which was characterized more intensely by direct acts of defiance like hunger strikes.