Any topic (writer’s choice)
READ:
Read our book’s introduction to Olaudah Equiano and our book’s excerpts from his Interesting Narrative (pp. 731-770)
Skim the information on Slave, Freedom, and LIberation Narratives from WSU (link: https://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/slave.htm)
This week we’re moving from some of the leading thinkers of the Enlightenment in America to an author who appeals to these Enlightenment ideals to argue for the abolition of slavery. Olaudah Equiano was enslaved during a time when the Enlightenment was having it’s greatest influence in America and in Europe, which may seem ironic given the Enlightenment focus on the value and rights of the individual. While Equiano never explicitly talks about the Enlightenment or any Enlightenment thinkers, notice how his narrative emphasizes his ability to learn new things and use the skills he learns to take control of his life. You might be reminded of Ben Franklin’s attempts to better himself as you read Equiano talk about how he goes from thinking that a ship sails by magic to learning how to manage his own business. Imagine how an audience that admires self-made men like Franklin would react to reading Equiano’s narrative. Is it right to enslave someone who is so clearly capable of managing his own affairs and contributing to society?
Prompt:
One interesting way to view Equiano’s narrative is pinpoint how he appeals to his audience in the text. Ronald Paul, author of I Whitened My Face, That They Might Not Know Me: Race and Identity in Olaudah Equianos Slave Narrative, argues that Equiano had to adopt a White mask in order to successfully operate in the dominant culture and eventually gain his freedom. Use your reading of the introduction to the period to help you to put yourself into the mindset of a white eighteenth-century American or Western European who can read and is influenced by the Enlightenment (Equiano’s audience). Pinpoint a specific instance in which you think Equiano is appealing to the values of someone in this position, and describe how he appeals to these value and how an audience member might react. You could talk about how Equiano appeals to the ideal of the self-made man, his audience’s attitudes towards economic success or scientific progress, or his audience’s religious attitudes (despite the influence of the Enlightenment, most people at the time held pretty orthodox Christian views). I’d like to see an in-depth discussion here, so don’t just list a string of instances. Explain how Equiano is appealing to his audience
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