Which of the following best describes one common form of resistance by enslaved individuals on slave ships during the Transatlantic Slave Trade?

The choice highlighting the refusal to eat or cooperate is significant as it illustrates a form of active resistance employed by enslaved individuals aboard slave ships. This act of refusing food was often a profound statement of defiance against their captors, as enslaved people sought to reclaim some measure of autonomy and resist their forced transport. By refusing to eat, they were not just passively enduring their circumstances but were taking a stand against the dehumanizing conditions of the ships. This behavior could sometimes lead to serious consequences, including punishment, but it also served as a way for individuals to assert their identity and resist assimilation into a life of enslavement.

Fasting in the context of praying for freedom, while it may be spiritually significant, does not directly indicate physical resistance in the same manner. Attempting to communicate with crew members might be seen as seeking connection or understanding rather than outright resistance. Settling into routines to cope reflects adaptation to a harsh environment rather than an act of resistance against it. Therefore, the refusal to eat or cooperate stands out as a powerful and direct form of resistance during such a traumatic experience.