The Kidnapped Prince Sparknotes

The main issues of the African people in the book “The Kidnapped Prince” were kidnappers and slave traders. An example of this is in the beginning of the book. While the adults of Equiano’s (main character) village are working in the fields, three kidnappers hopped the wall surrounding his peoples village. They kidnapped Equiano and his sister while they were playing. They are forced to travel with their captors and sold into slavery. Eventually Equiano is separated from his sister, as they both go to different “masters”. And although they do see each other at some point later in the book that would be their last meeting and they never see each other again.

The main issue/problem for the main character Equiano was having to adjust to his new

life and European culture and European treatment of slaves. He also had to learn to speak and understand English. Equiano is not disgusted by the culture, he is actually rather intrigued. He likes the whole concept of their religion, Christianity, as well as the idea of their so called “God”. And he eventually converts to Christianity. However, he does find it strange how the whites don't bring “offerings” to their God, as his people did. I find this issue common for all children from different cultures that are forced to take on new cultures. They learn to adjust to more westernized environments.

The qualities that I most admired about Equiano are his work ethic and his leadership.

Examples of Equiano's work ethic are shown throughout the entire book, he worked at may trades and traveled all over the world, and in the end he also worked to buy back his own freedom. Eventually, he saved up the amount of money his owner had originally paid for him and was then able to repay the owner the same in return for his freedom. An example of Equiano’s leadership is when he takes leadership over a slave ship crew, when the vessel is shipwrecked. He eventually leads the crew (All of which who survived) to rescue and

food.

The most personal change in Equiano was when he converted to Christianity and was baptized.

He was taken from his birth culture (African Culture) and forced to appreciate and learn a new one. He was also given a completely new name, which he used throughout his life, though he used his African name when he published this book. He traveled through Great Britain as an author eventually marrying and having two daughters. He also joined an abolitionist movement. Equiano describes many hardships and desperate conditions but also new sights and experiences. He eventually learns to like and appreciate the the European culture. Equiano was lucky because instead of turning into a cruel and angry person he became a remorseful person who decided to see the best in people.

In “The Kidnapped Prince” there is little change in the social relationship between the whites and Africans. Towards the end the Africans begin to respect some of their Masters. Because they were nice to their slaves, and they showed humanity. As well as treating the slaves like humans not property. However, a lot Africans still despised whites, because of their cruel and vindictive behavior towards their slaves. Eventually Equiano concludes that white men are not inherently cruel but that slavery has made them cruel and

callous

It was surprising that in African Culture the village was very established with many rules and laws. Women were held to a higher standard. There were no luxuries and everything was plain and simple. Adults left their children in the village to fend for themselves. This is how Equiano and his sister are kidnapped. However, I realize now, though it seems absurd to leave young children alone, it does teach them how to fend for themselves. Still I believe they should have left one adult in the village to watch the children. Another thing that was surprising was that the culture was heavily involved with dancing. It was a major part of their customs and represents important parts of their lives. It was also a surprise to hear Equiano compare his culture to the that of the early Jews.

This book helped me to understand the differences and similarities between the African Culture and my culture in many ways. Both have many rules and laws. The Africans and Americans both love to celebrate with dancing. The biggest difference is that they believed in one creator. That creator lived in the sun and was responsible for life, death, and war. Americans have many religions and creators. Another way this book showed me the differences between African culture and my culture is through the way they name their children. We pick our names but they name theirs after events. It also helped to hear the point of view of a young African boy who was exposed to my culture.