Olaudah Equiano Sparknotes

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Introduction: The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is a book about a man’s life who once was a slave and became free but never escaped the injustice of the white-controlled world. The following paper aims to summarize Equiano’s story, identify the three building blocks of slavery, and analyze two stories through the use of ethical framework studies in class. Summary of the Book: In the very first chapter of the book, Olaudah Equiano discusses his home, Eboe, its culture, traditions, religion, lifestyle, community presence, and his own family. Just at the age of 11, Olaudah gets kidnapped by his sister and separated while the adults are away working. He is taken to his first master, who treats him well. But despite that, …show more content…

During his traveling around Africa, the boy learns three languages and gets to briefly meet his sister before being separated again. Then he is sold into a family where he is treated with kindness and is even allowed to sit with those who were considered to be free. But life in Tinmah doesn’t last long and so the narrator is sold once again and taken on a boat. In the third chapter, Olaudah is in North America where he is purchased by a lieutenant who sails to England and gives him the name Gustavus Vassa, which he protests initially. He gets to England where he masters the language and is sent to school by his master where he gets baptized and introduced to Christianity. The boy then sails to the Middateranian with his new master but during travels, the lieutenant gets wounded in battle and sells the boy to ruthless Captain Doran who threatens him. After this, the author questions his density and reasoning as to why God is punishing him, but is quickly sold to another master Mr.King from West Indie Islands who treats his slaves well. The author also recalls the brutal treatment of slaves in the West Indies and how many tried to escape it with death. Then the author covers his voyages around …show more content…

Upon his return to the West Indies Olaudah makes an agreement with his master to purchase his freedom with money, which after saving up during his voyages he successfully does and receives manumission. However, when the narrator sails as a free person he is still recognized as a slave by many, which disappoints him and inspires his break from sea life. When Olaudah returns to sailing, his captain dies of illness and the author takes responsibility for returning the ship and the crew back to its owner. Then the boy sails with a new captain who due to lack of experience nearly drowns everyone, however, the crew survives and reaches Georgia. In New Providence, Olaudah once again despite being a free man experiences threats of being flogged by white locals due to having a light on after nine but is let go. By chapter 9 the narrator returns to the West Indies, obtains a letter of good behavior from his prior master King, and sails to London. In England, the author meets some past acquaintances and works for Dr. Irving as a

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