A young man who matures enough to be a man while the majority of the world views him as less than that is the focus of Washington Black, an incredibly intriguing picture. Wash is in a long adventure, seeking the freedom as well as a thing called Identity. Especially, he puts himself in danger and experiences greater emotional suffering in an attempt to show people that he is more than they think. As Wash said in the book: " The world is a great, vast mist, and he is a raw egg rolling within it" (Washington Black compare the world to a vast mist, emphasizing its complexity. He sees himself as a tiny and delicate being navigating the unpredictable turmoil of existence. It prompts reflection on our sole in the universe).

> This is how Washington Black appeared to me when designed the cover for this book.

Overall, seeking for identity is the keyword for the cover as well as somehow represents the idea of "Freedom". The figure is Wash who looking into his name (W), seeking himself in a meriad of adventures, life lessons, ... The distortion can be fathom as: Wash's thoughts and identity, the world, free-dom, Barbados plantation, Wash's adventures and life les-sons. The egg in the middle of the spine can be considered a hint for the general vibe of the book.