Final answer:
Olaudah Equiano uses vivid and emotive descriptive words to portray the horrific conditions and emotional torment of the transatlantic slave trade. His language deeply engages the reader, highlighting the physical and psychological anguish experienced by the enslaved.
Step-by-step explanation:
Olaudah Equiano's Descriptive Words:
Olaudah Equiano uses a variety of descriptive words to convey the terror and agony of his slavery experience. His narrative is replete with vivid imagery that brings to life the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. Equiano describes the physical conditions with terms like “the stench of the hold,” “loathsome,” and “suffocated,” which signify the unbearable environment the enslaved had to endure.
The emotional torment is captured through phrases like “the shrieks of the women,” and “the groans of the dying,” emphasizing the despair and helplessness prevalent among the captives. His narrative also details the inhumanity he witnessed, using language that spurs a deep emotional response in the reader.
In the context of his African roots, Equiano reflects on the social structure and the practice of enslavement among Africans, suggesting a complex interplay between African societies and European traders. He provides insights into how some Africans were incorporated into slavery, noting the role of European influence in exacerbating the trade.