the interesting narrative of olaudah equiano

Equiano’s travels brought him to Turkey, Martinico, Georgia, Montserrat, Grenada, France, and even to the North Pole. As he was firmly indebted to the kindness of Farmer and King, he continued to sail with them, but now as a paid steward and sailor. Equiano describes it as the happiest day of his life. Guilty over the accusation, King promised to lend Equiano money towards his freedom if the slave could raise an adequate amount himself.Įquiano finally raised enough money to purchase his manumission in July of 1766. King and Farmer accused him once of planning an escape, but Equiano's evidence of loyalty quashed their fears. King allowed his friend, Captain Thomas Farmer, to take Equiano as sailor on several of his voyages, on which Equiano distinguished himself.

He realized that free blacks in some ways were worse off than slaves, since they had no master to look out for them, and no opportunities for legal redress of injury. Even though he still hoped to one day purchase freedom, Equiano's strong moral code precluded him from simply running away unless he was abused.Įquiano traveled to America and the West Indies with King, noting the terrible punishments and treatment inflicted upon the Africans who toiled on the plantations there. King was a kind master, and Equiano worked diligently and cheerfully for him. Doran in turn sold Equiano to Robert King, a wealthy and benevolent Quaker merchant who worked out of Philadelphia. Equiano was devastated, but tried to resign himself to God’s will. Unfortunately, Pascal learning of Equiano's ambition, and cruelly sold him to Captain Doran of the Charming Sally. Through his ability at sea, he became indispensable to Pascal and became accustomed to his situation.Įquiano began to think of freedom, and hoped that Pascal might one day allow it. During this time, Equiano heard about the Christian God and started learning to read and write.

Pascal had intended him as a gift for friends in London, but instead kept Equiano as an aid towards his naval endeavors during the Seven Years’ War. He was purchased quickly enough by Michael Henry Pascal, a lieutenant in the Royal Navy. After being brought across Africa to the coast, he was sent to the West Indies via the horrific Middle Passage. While young children, he and his sister were seized by kidnappers and sold to slave traders. He was born in the Eboe province of Africa, and provides cultural detail on those people. Equiano begins his first-person narrative by including several letters that attest to both the veracity of his text and his good character.

The interesting narrative of olaudah equiano