An enslaved man who bought his freedom and wrote compellingly about his experiences, Olaudah Equiano (c. 1745–1797) was an extraordinary man who became a
prominent figure associated with the campaign to abolish the slave trade
. … Equiano travelled widely to promote the book, and became wealthy from its royalties.
Why is Olaudah Equiano important?
Olaudah Equiano (about 1745-1797) was one of the
most prominent people of African heritage involved in the British debate for the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade
. … Equiano used his experiences of slavery to campaign and persuade others to abolish the inhumane trade in African people.
What is Olaudah Equiano known for writing?
His
autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano
; or, Gustavus Vassa, the African, Written by Himself (1789), with its strong abolitionist stance and detailed description of life in Nigeria, was so popular that in his lifetime it ran through nine English editions and one U.S. printing and was …
What was Olaudah Equiano scared of?
At this point, he was only eleven or twelve years old. In his biography, Equiano candidly described how the experience stirred fear and confusion in the Africans it ensnared:
white people, sailing ships, and life in
the stinking holds convinced him and others that they were “in another world.”
What made Olaudah Equiano different from other slaves?
It was the first influential slave narrative of what became a large literary genre. But Equiano’s experience in slavery was quite different from that of most slaves; he did not participate in field work, he served his owners personally and went to sea,
was taught to read and write, and worked in trading
.
Who was Equiano’s first master?
One of his masters,
Henry Pascal
, the captain of a British trading vessel, gave Equiano the name Gustavas Vassa, which he used throughout his life, though he published his autobiography under his African name.
How many times Equiano sold?
During the course of his life under enslavement, Olaudah Equiano was sold
10 times
enduring three name changes by his various masters. He was baptised as Gustavus Vassa. His life was one of adventurer, entrepreneur, merchant, explorer, abolitionist, and seaman.
Did Olaudah Equiano achieve his purpose for writing the narrative?
Olaudah Equiano’s purpose for writing his narrative was
to tell the truth of conditions of life for slaves
, particularly in crossing the Atlantic Ocean. In order to achieve this purpose, Equiano used particularly vivid descriptions and sensory details for just about every sense.
Why does Equiano call his captors nominal Christians?
what is the destination of the slave ship? … Why does Equiano call slave dealers nominal Christians? he calls them that
because slavery is against the Christian religion
.
When equiano first encounters ships he and his fellow captives believe that ships are stopped by
..
What are three effects of slavery in Africa?
The implications of the slave trade included:
The slave sellers and European ‘factories’
on the West African coast
.
The development of slave-based states and economies
. The destruction of societies. Leaders of African societies took roles in continuing the trade.
What does Equiano hope his audience will learn from his writings?
He wrote an
autobiography on himself that showed the horrors of slavery
. He did this in hopes that it would make people want to abolish slavery once they found out the awful conditions slaves lived in.
What were Equiano’s greatest fears?
At first, Equiano feared
the “white men with horrible looks, red faces, and loose hair
,” and he wrote later of the terror he felt as the ship pulled away from his homeland, and he was forced to come to terms with his uncertain future.
What elements of slavery does he seem to think will most outrage his readers?
What elements of slavery does he seem to think will most outrage his readers?
The fact he was torn from his family, essentially taking a child from a parent which is the most cruel thing you could do
. You just studied 12 terms!
How does Equiano earn money?
While working as a deckhand, valet and barber for King, Equiano earned
money by trading on the side
. In only three years, he made enough money to buy his own freedom. … He travelled widely promoting the book, which became immensely popular, helped the abolitionist cause, and made Equiano a wealthy man.
What did Equiano see when he was brought to the coast?
When he is brought to the coast and sees
the slave ship
, Equiano’s first thought is that he will be… … Besides the crowded conditions below decks, the chained slaves find themselves most oppressed by… the loathsome stench. Equiano is bewildered by the white traders’ cruelty when they…
How does Equiano describe slavery in Africa?
In his autobiography he describes the inconceivable conditions of the slaves’ hold:
the “shrieks of the women
,” the “groans of the dying,” the floggings, the wish to commit suicide, how those who somehow managed to drown themselves were envied.
