Title: The Interesting Narrative
Author: Olaudah Equiano
Published: 1789
Genre: Autobiography
Page Length: 228 pages
The Interesting Narrative by Olaudah Equiano chronicles his journey as a slave. In the first two chapters, he recounts his capture and enslavement in Africa. He describes being taken from his home by strangers and forced to march miles to the coast, where he was then put on a ship to be sold into slavery. He speaks of the horrors of the middle passage, where slaves were crammed in a small space and given little food or water. Eventually, Equiano was sold to a plantation owner in Virginia.
In the third and fourth chapters, Equiano describes life on the plantation. He recounts his many duties, including working in the fields and taking care of the master’s children. Despite the hardship of his enslavement, Equiano demonstrates a desire to learn and better himself intellectually. He describes teaching himself to read and write and how he often conducted business for his master.
In the fifth chapter, Equiano is sold to a new master who takes him to England. He spends time with different families and eventually becomes a sailor. This new life provides him with the opportunity to travel extensively around the world. He describes his experiences in Turkey, Greece, and Egypt, among other places.
As Equiano grows more accustomed to the European lifestyle, he begins advocating for the end of slavery. His experiences as a slave had convinced him that all people deserved the same freedoms and rights. Equiano writes to various influential people in England, including the Queen, to plead his case and make his voice heard.
The book concludes with Equiano achieving his freedom and becoming a prominent figure in the fight against slavery. He becomes a spokesman for the cause, speaking at events and publishing articles in newspapers. Through his work and the influence of his writing, he helped bring about the end of the slave trade.
The Interesting Narrative offers a firsthand account of the horrors of slavery, but it also illustrates hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. It highlights the importance of education and literacy, particularly in the fight for freedom and equality. Equiano’s story serves as a crucial reminder of the effects of slavery and the importance of working towards a more just and equitable society.