Essay On Olaudah Equiano

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The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavas Vassa, The African, Written by Himself, tells about the life of a boy who was captured and sold into slavery at a young age. As he grew up in the slave trade going from master to master, he encountered a struggle to find his own identity. As he grew up and became a free man, he got an education through life experiences as both an African and an Englishman, and encountered new perspectives for religion that helped him become a motivational leader and missionary during the time of abolition. The title alone of this book, The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavas Vassa, foreshadows the dual-identity that lies within its pages. At birth, he was given the name Olaudah, which signifies “Vicissitude or fortunate also, one favoured… and well spoken,” because the elders believed him to be blessed (Equiano, 41). Despite…show more content…
Eventually, Equiano embraces Methodism and accepts the belief of the gift of salvation as a central theme to Christianity as a whole. This faith sets a foundation for the rest of his life. Equiano finds it difficult to associate with ungodly men, and makes a passionate effort to convert those who were not believers of the Christian faith. His conversion to Christianity provided a secondary sense of freedom to Equiano, along with his actual freedom from slavery. Once he becomes free, his new Christian faith gives Equaino make more of a presence in society, and helps him efficiently share his beliefs toward abolitionism. The prevalence of Christianity in Equiano’s life is extremely important, because it provides a sense of comfort in all of his hardships. Equiano is a role model and gives hope to those who are still enslaved that it is important to “trust the lord in any situation,” because He will help you through (Equiano,

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