Olaudah Equiano
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano
African
Age of Reason
When Olaudah Equiano was around eleven years old, his life dramatically changed. He and his sister were kidnapped by African slave traders from the Ibo tribe in present day Nigeria, brought to the west coast of Africa, and then taken across the Middle Passage to the Americas. From there, he endured several masters in various locations, including extended voyages at sea, until he finally purchased his freedom in 1766. His extensive travels across the Atlantic, throughout the seaports of Europe, and even an expedition to the North Pole, gave him a rare knowledge of the world. Between 1754 and 1757, Equiano served several families in England who had libraries, and he used this opportunity to learn to read and write. He was converted to Christianity and baptized Gustavus Vassa in 1759. He longed to return to his native Africa as a missionary, but was refused ordination by the Bishop of London in 1779. He married Susanna Cullen in 1792, and the couple had two daughters. Equiano was instrumental in the Abolitionist Movement in Great Britain, working alongside William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson, and Hannah More, petitioning Parliament for the abolition of the slave trade. Tragically, Equiano did not live to see the end of the slave trade, but his contributions have been celebrated by all those who did.
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano (1789)
Equiano’s book, and his book tours throughout the British Empire, helped turn public opinion toward abolition. The book provides a unique view of tribal life in Africa from one of its native sons, of slavery in the West Indies and the North American colonies from a former slave, and of the notion of liberty from one who had to purchase freedom with a heavy price. Equiano’s audience, the citizens of England, read a first-hand account of an adventurous life and of the fortitude of its author against overwhelming adversity. They also saw a worldview, not from the conquerors, but from the conquered. The successful sales of the book left a financial legacy for Equiano’s family, a rare accomplishment from one whose narrative begins in ultimate helplessness and defeat. Equiano’s book also encouraged other former slaves to write their accounts, including the Americans Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs.
Consider while reading:
- Discuss the way in which Equiano changes his narrative voice from a child to an adult.
- Discuss the loss of innocence on the middle passage and in the slave auction.
- How was Equiano uniquely qualified to petition the Queen and Parliament for the freedom of his fellow Africans?
Written by Karen Dodson