Middle of the Middle

So far I find this book very enjoyable and what most appeals to me is the fact that when looked at from the outside it is a seemingly very simple novel while when you dive further into it there is much complexity and depth to be extracted from it. The concept of being in the middle is on that is very prevalent in this novel and in the character of Rutherford. The fact that he is a Black man puts him on the bottom but the fact that he is freeman elevates him slightly. He is literally stuck in the middle of everything. Whites look down on him because he is of the “inferior” race and the same is true of other Black slaves, he is above them and therefore he is not one of them either. This is a theme that I very much enjoy because it seems that many of us feel as if we are in the middle of something. Whether it be in the middle of a conflict, in the middle in terms of rank, or like Rutherford, stuck between races. It is fairly easy to feel disconnected from everyone and feel like there is no one who understands your unique situation. Every side feels as if it’s pulling and /or pushing you, you may feel pressure to pick a side, pick a team to support or maybe no one wants you because you are different and are therefore receiving judgment and criticism from both sides. Often times there is much bouncing back and forth, picking sides, changing sides, and ultimately being left nowhere. I have been in the middle of many conflicts and it is the worst position to be in because there are no clear answers on what to do or who to support. Being in the middle represents not being in the middle at all, not being at the center of everyone’s attention, and being in the middle feels like being the biggest outcast possible. There is this dualism that is present because of the fact that no matter what you will be fighting with yourself or others because no matter what you are not with people of your kind, you will always be different. It is very difficult to express the difference between being in the middle and being centered, because while the two words seem interchangeable, I see them as extremely opposing ideals. Being centered very simply put is being balanced. There is unity, you are not working for or against someone or something you are one and amidst everything, balancing and experiencing it all simultaneously.

(Sorry if theres errors, didnt rly have time to look over)