Olaudah Equiano Research Paper

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Olaudah Equiano was born in Igbo, a providence of Africa, in the year 1745. Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the name that was given to him by his first master, told his experiences throughout his book, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. He explains that grew up fairly happily in the very beginning of his life, but unfortunately was kidnapped along with his sister when he was quite young to be forced into slavery. He found himself being sent to various places in the world to carry out this horrifying task, and encounters numerous masters throughout his journey. Equiano suffers immensely by being enslaved, but finds his own salvation utilizing multiple means of freedom that he acquires for himself in his lifetime. Olaudah Equiano experiences multiple means freedom in his life, such as learning…show more content…
While Equiano was attending school in London, the ladies there also baptized him and taught him the laws of Christianity. He claims that “[t]hey often used to teach me to read, and took great pains to instruct me in the principles of religion and the knowledge of God” (p.79). Eventually, Equiano buys a Bible, and he loves it and reads it time and time again. Whenever Equiano found himself alone, he turns to his Bible, saying, “the Bible was my only companion and comfort; I prized it much, with many thanks to God that I could read it for myself” (p. 191). In times of distress, Christianity brings freedom to Equiano’s aching heart. He states, “[I] poured out my soul before [God] with unfeigned repentance, and with earnest supplications I besought him not to abandon me in my distress, nor cast me from his mercy for ever” (p. 95). Equiano tried to convince the multitude of people along his journeys to adopt Christianity into their lives, despite the mockery that he occasionally faced. As he grows older, his faith strengthens and gives him hope and happiness, which gave him freedom within his

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