EQUiANO'S NARRATiVE

So Equiano begins his narrative in the unassuming, yet ardent voice that carries the reader throughout his life story. He makes his plans entirely clear: he intends his narrative to open the world's eyes to the degradation and inhumanity of slavery. Yet he knows, too, that merely preaching of goodwill towards Africans would not turn any heads. He must show directly the irony that those naming others "barbarians" were the barbaric ones themselves. His intensely personal story, with detailed descriptions of what he saw -- cruel or ordinary -- and of how one African dealt with forced encounters with different lands and cultures, was what it would take for Englishmen to relate and thus to understand. Despite his words in this first paragraph, Equiano did lead an extraordinary life. For one, he was not subject to the extent of horrors of some of his kinsmen --- lifelong bondage to grueling work with no chance of freedom. The modesty with which he views his experiences, triumphant or degrading, will sometimes contrast with the interpretation the reader makes -- furthering Equiano's message. His experiences had "happened to many" and to a far greater intensity. The reader then can imply the absolute horrors of slavery for the rest of the African population. Second, Equiano's life was extraordinary for he found a means to aid his brethren. He was extremely fortunate to acquire learning and literacy, and only through them did he touch the powerful with his words. As a angry slave, Equiano would have had trouble furthering his cause. As an ex-slave, a newly-connected member of British society with powerful ties to wealthy merchants and humanitarians, humble ties to sea men and servants, and moral and spiritual ties to clergymen, Equiano -- "neither saint, hero, nor tyrant" -- related to all. His narrative found immense popularity throughout the world.


Reflection: After reading Equiano Narrative it opened my eyes to see that not every person that was an slave had a bad life all their lives. Even though Equiano was a slave he becaome very smart and had ties with very powerful people.


Dear Diary,

Today I saw one of the most sophisticated black men that I have meet in a long time. He spoke with class and seemed to be quite intelligent. His name was Equiano, and me being a white woman was surprised that I was able to hold a conversation with him that actually had some dept to it. I was amazed and it made me realize that not every black person is of a low status, so maybe everyone in this new world should be treated equally. Just a thought.

Danielle Rene


Essential Question: In a country where the American Dream is "Free" to all, how is community affected when all cannot achieve the "dream"?
Even though Equiano on the outside was not the most likely person to acheive some sort of american Dream he did. For most black there dream was probaly to become educated and he did that. Furthmore he was known by powerful people and got farther that most people of his race and background during these day.