Question

1. Identify two major themes that emerge in Olaudah Equiano's slave narrative, and provide an example of textual evidence to support each them.​

Answer 1

Olaudah Equiano's narrative primarily deals with the themes of the injustice of slavery and the human striving for freedom. Textual evidence found in his work illustrates the cruel treatment of slaves and Equiano's own journey to emancipation.

Step-by-step explanation:

One of the major themes in Olaudah Equiano's slave narrative is the injustice of slavery. Through his firsthand account, Equiano provides vivid descriptions of the brutal treatment and dehumanization experienced by enslaved people. For example, he tells of families being torn apart and the physical abuse they endured. Another prevailing theme is the human striving for freedom. Equiano narrates his own determined efforts to understand his situation, better himself, and eventually secure his own freedom. His eventual emancipation and role as an abolitionist highlight the natural human desire for liberty and autonomy.

Textual evidence supporting the injustice of slavery includes Equiano's recounting of the relentless cruelty as slaves were whipped and restrained, which he witnessed on the Middle Passage and in the Americas. In terms of striving for freedom, Equiano's entire life story, culminating in his purchase of his own freedom, stands as a testament to this theme. He also speaks about his efforts to learn and adapt in order to survive and eventually transcend his circumstances.

Answer 2

One theme that emerges in Olaudah Equaino's slave narrative is Commerce and Trade. One example of textual evidence to support this is "Equiano is aware of this brutality as he engages in the slave trade of the market for his own benefit. He unarguably has a good reason for wanting to earn money, as it is the only way of procuring his own freedom". Another theme that emerges in Olaudah Equaino's slave narrative is Culture, Education, and civilizing. One example of textual evidence to support this is "Equiano's class views come into play again when he finds himself captive in the hands of other Africans. He is horrified by one particular group of people; he sees them as backwards and uncivilized."

Step-by-step explanation: