Introduction
Africans had to experience numerous atrocities as they were enslaved by Europeans who saw themselves as civilized. Numerous books written by former slave tell stories about painful experiences and hopes of Africans. These books started a lasting discussion on slavery and the place of Africans in the western world. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is one of these remarkable books.
In this book, the author describes his life and reveals the wrongs of western society. More importantly, Equiano shows the path he had to go along. This path was his transformation from an enslaved other to black European who ultimately managed to gain acceptance among the white society through participating in the abolitionist movement.
Early Life as a Slave
Equiano’s Deterrence From Self-Identity
Being a slave, Equiano did not have property. He hardly had his name or his own identity. He (as any other slave) was rather a thing than a human being. A slave could be sold and bought, beaten and starved or even killed. Thus, Equiano was sold many times.
For instance, When Pascal bought him, he often made rounds with him on his voyages, such as traveling to Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Holland, among other countries. Pascal sold him to another master, who took him to Montserrat, a Caribbean island. Subsequently, a Quaker merchant, Robert King, based in Montserrat but originally from Philadelphia, bought him.
Gaining Skills
One of the most important skills Equiano gained was, undoubtedly, reading and writing skills. Equiano also had to travel across the Caribbean with the captain of King’s sloops, Thomas Farmer. From the influence of Farmer, he traded his items, such as in, glass tumblers, and fruit bags, besides devoting some time into learning navigation skills. Even so, the journeys they made to South Carolina and Georgia often put Equiano in trouble, which involved being conned money and a near-death experience in Savannah.
The breakthrough on his trading came from the trips they made to Philadelphia and Georgia, with Framer, which allowed him to make enough money to buy his freedom later on. With the help of Farmer, Equiano managed to buy his freedom after convincing King to sign his papers. Equiano was now a free person, having endured the enslavement for a long period. In essence, he was preparing for his transformation process.
Being the Other and Gaining Acceptance to the White society
Sailing with Other White People and Helping in the Purchase of Slaves
After gaining his freedom, Equiano had to look for ways of blending in with the white society and gaining acceptance, thereof. Indeed, he achieved this by doing his voyage rounds with other people from white society. Also, while attending school in London, he worked as for Dr. Charles Irving’s assistant, albeit, on and off duty.
More so, Equiano also helped Europeans buy his “own countrymen.” White people did not see him as a slave anymore, but he was not one of them as he was still the other. Even though he was literate Europeans often regarded him as an uncivilized man. At the same time, Equiano himself started understanding who he was. However, another event in his life helped him truly find himself.
Conversion into Christianity
Conversion into Christianity enabled the former slave with no identity to acquire his self. Equiano understood that he was a man equal to others as all people were created equal by God. He also understood that Europeans were not very different from his brethren whose religion cherished similar values. This also enabled him to find his place in white society.
More so, white society was almost ready to accept him. This was one of the major “inestimable Benefits of Christianity.” It is necessary to note that Europeans paid a lot of attention to religion and saw it as one of the most important ways to civilize a savage. Of course, even a former slave became visible and accepted as a human being if he was a Christian. However, even religion could not turn him from the other into a member of society.
Participation in the Abolitionist Movement
Equiano needed to be accepted as a part of the society to show the world that he had his own identity. He managed to do this through his participation in the abolitionist movement. He shared his experiences, wrote letters and told Europeans stories that made them listen to the former slave. Eventually, Europeans started seeing him as a member of their society. The major factor that led to this was his role as a representative of his brethren and his giving petition to the Queen.
Conclusion
On balance, it is possible to state that Equiano had changed from an invisible slave towards a meaningful member of the European society. His courage and diligence enabled him to complete this way. There were many slaves who obtained their freedom, but there are a few who managed to become a part of western society. Being educated and socially active, Equiano was one of those who were accepted by the Europeans.
Bibliography
Equiano, Olaudah. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. New York, NY: Modern Library, 2004.
Innes, Catherine Lynette. A History of Black and Asian Writing in Britain, 1700-2000. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2002.