Question

In his personal narrative, olaudah equiano describes the conditions on board slave ships crossing the atlantic ocean: this wretched situation was again aggravated by the galling of the chains, now become insupportable; and the filth of the necessary tubs, into which the children often fell, and were almost suffocated. why does equiano include details like these in his narrative?

Answer 1

Olaudah Equiano includes details of the appalling conditions on slave ships in his personal narrative to convey the dehumanizing and brutal nature of the transatlantic slave trade and to elicit empathy and understanding from his readers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Equiano includes vivid details of the unbearable conditions on slave ships, such as the galling of chains and the filth of the necessary tubs, to provide a visceral and authentic account of the inhumane treatment endured by enslaved Africans during the transatlantic crossing. By describing the physical discomfort and suffering, Equiano aims to evoke a sense of empathy and outrage among his readers, compelling them to recognize the moral reprehensibility of the slave trade.

These specific details serve as a stark portrayal of the degradation and dehumanization experienced by the enslaved individuals, reinforcing the urgency for abolition and societal change. Equiano strategically employs such details not merely as a means of personal expression but as a powerful rhetorical device to galvanize public opinion against the horrors of the slave trade. In essence, the inclusion of these details serves a didactic purpose, urging readers to confront the harsh realities of the transatlantic slave trade and question the morality of such practices.

Overall, Equiano's narrative becomes a compelling tool for advocacy, challenging societal norms and fostering a collective sense of responsibility for ending the systemic brutality of the slave trade.

Answer 2

Equiano included graphic details of the conditions on slave ships in his narrative to illustrate the inhumanity of the transatlantic slave trade, rallying support for the abolitionist movement and contributing to the historical documentation of these atrocities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Olaudah Equiano includes details about the horrific conditions on board slave ships to shed light on the inhumanity and suffering endured during the transatlantic slave trade. His vivid descriptions, such as the intolerably loathsome stench of the hold, the heat and closeness of the space, and the shrieks and groans of the enslaved, serve to evoke empathy and a sense of urgency to confront the cruelties of slavery. These accounts were a powerful tool in the abolitionist movement, helping to raise awareness and garner support for ending the trade.

Additionally, such narratives documented the horrifying conditions under which people were forcibly transported across the Atlantic. They also highlighted the moral depravity and cognitive dissonance faced by those participating in and benefitting from slavery, as well as the resilience of the African people who withstood unthinkable adversities, thereby contributing to the historical understanding of this dark era.