Representing Marginalization among Slaves in The Life of Olaudah Equiano - Book Report/Review Example

Representing Marginalization Among Slaves in The Life of Olaudah Equiano Introduction The push to abolish slavery in Britain and the United s was initiated by slaves and human rights individuals creating a voice about the cruelties which were associated with the slave trade. In the book, The Life of Olaudah Equiano, there is a voice which is created to show an individual and in – depth analysis of the slave trade. The components which are a part of the book reflect not only an autobiography, but also depict the cruelest memories of the narrator, specifically so the book could work in favor of the abolitionist movement. The strategy which Equiano uses in the book is designed specifically to create a strong voice that was marginalized during this time and to push the abolitionist movement in the North. By offering a specific perspective from his autobiography, there was the ability to have a stronger initiative toward abolition of slavery, specifically because of the first hand account that showed the cruelties of slavery. Summary and Analysis The Life of Olaudah Equiano was a biography based on the life of Equiano, specifically with the slave trade and coming to America. Equiano accounts for the memories he has in Africa before coming to America, than describes the kidnapping and slave ship experienced. This is furthered by accounts that are linked specifically to becoming a slave in England as well as how specific levels of cruelty were a part of the trade and way in which Equiano was treated. The rest of the components of the book relate to becoming freed from slavery and establishing an identity in England that was outside of race, slavery or the unfair treatment of those in the region. The different factors which Equiano focuses on then works to create a voice for those that are captivated in slavery. The concept of captivation and slavery is one which is attributed not only to the basic autobiography, but also changes because of the correlation of Equiano’s perspective and the desire to show a different viewpoint in terms of slavery. The mental colonization is one of the main aspects which are associated with the voice of Equiano. This is seen through the statements about captivation, treatment as a slave and the harsh treatments by owners, such as being beaten and expected to submit to identity changes. The mental colonization that Equiano shows from the slave laborers is followed by Equiano’s perception of himself, which is as a warrior of Africa that was successful and able to provide services while enhancing the community. By showing these two identities in these works, there is the ability to give a sense of authority to the text that is based on changing the prejudices of a marginalized group while showing a sense of support toward abolition (Orban, 1). The first area in which Equiano creates a voice is through the accounts and details in the slave ship. This is important as it shows how the concept of slavery is one that is not humanitarian, first because it separates individuals from their home, and also because the ship is one which treats the slaves like animals. “When I looked round the ship too, and saw a large furnace of copper boiling and a multitude of black people, of every description, chained together, every one of their countenances expressing dejection and sorrow” (Equiano, 31). The approach which Equiano takes with the slave ship, as well as his time before this, shows the sorrows of the slave ship as well as the cruelties that are associated with this. The main thesis by the author is directed to the audience interested in abolition of slavery, specifically to support the efforts by showing the cruelty which is established from the time one goes on the slave ship. The importance of the slave ship is one that is not only based on the concept of showing the cruelties of the slave trade. There is also a sense of showing the contrasting identity of being in Africa, and the opposing viewpoint that is seen through the shock of the ship. The concept of cultural identity is the most important component of this, specifically because it is associated with the way in which culture changes according to perspective. Those who were in Africa and which had a specific identity were able to show a sense of prestige from culture. However, when brought to the slave trade, the identity shifted into one that was based on the ruin of each of the men, specifically because of the mental and physical treatment which was received (Sabino, Hall, 17). The thesis which Equiano states are then followed by the cruelties experienced while in slavery. The focus is to show the levels of abuse that are from the slave owners and which Equiano had to face. Similar to the time on the slave ship, Equiano uses specific memories and instances to show the cruelty associated with this. The voice that is created is one which is directly associated with the need to have abolition and to change the fate of those in slavery. The slavery that is experienced combines the taking away of identity to one that is unknown, such as changing one’s name, to types of violence that can lead to injuries and sometimes fatality. Equiano uses memories that are more extreme and which express the actions taken by slave owners to show how the problem is one commonly associated with those facing slavery. The particular concepts that Equiano associates with slavery is one which shows a level of self – dramatization. The thesis that Equiano carries through with is specifically to entice those that are interested in abolition so they can hear the voice of a marginalized group and the unfair treatment which is associated with them. The main concept used is one associated with ethnic self – dramatization, specifically which creates a direct link between slavery, being from Africa and the cruelties directly related to this. Equiano shows statements from slave owners and unfair treatment, specifically which link to the language, culture and the marginalization of identity which occurs. These accounts of unfair treatments are specifically based on capturing the marginalized aspects of slavery, while understanding how this relates to the need to abolish slavery (Kelleter, 67). When Equiano describes his escape and transformation in society, he also focuses on how his identity has changed. The main concept of the author is to show how each individual in slavery shouldn’t be marginalized because of race, education or the disposition in which they hold in society. Equiano shows that he is educated through the language used in the book. He combines this with the identity which he creates, all to convince that slaves can be integrated into society, as opposed to remaining a marginalized voice from a foreign land. An example of this is when Equiano speaks about his conversion to Christianity. There are two components to this. The first is to show how the slaves can be incorporated into the main identity of society. The second is to remind the readers of the need to be humanitarian, specifically because of the concepts of religion and how this leads to judgment among those in society. “Thus I went on heavily without any guide to direct me the way that leadeth to eternal life. I asked different people questions about the manner of going to heaven, and was told in different ways” (135). These excerpts are designed to show how those who are religious and want to go to heaven will associate both with abolition and the understanding that slaves have the same judgment as those in the church. The concept of identity and religion is one which is focused specifically on the spiritual autobiography as this is linked to creating a different type of significance for those that are interested in identity. The main association is to show how the ability to move past slavery and to abolish this principle also will lead others into spiritual recognition (Potkay, 677). Conclusion The concept of slavery, as represented through The Life of Olaudah Equiano represents the concept of injustice toward those of a marginalized group. Equiano focuses on creating a different understanding toward the injustices of slavery, while creating a voice that relates to humanitarian reasons on why slavery should be abolished. Equiano represents his life as one that is able to overcome slavery, combined with the ability to speak for those who are still in slavery. The audience intended for this narrative is based on those who are interested in abolition and need to understand why there is a need to offer the same rights to slaves. More important, there is a focus on the spiritual discourse of creating a new identity among slaves and representing enlightenment and Christianity. These different themes in the book then allow one to understand the voice of slaves, the need for abolition and the enlightenment which can be reached with equal treatment of individuals. References Equiano, Olaudah. (2009). The Life of Olaudah Equiano. New York: Cosimo Books. Kelleter, Frank. (2004). “Ethnic Self – Dramatization and Technologies of Travel in ‘The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African, Written by Himself.” Early American Literature (39), (1). Orban, Katalin. (1993). “Dominant and Submerged Discourses in ‘The Life of Olaudah Equiano.” African American Review (27). Potkay, Adam. (1994). “Olaudah Equiano and the Art of Spiritual Autobiography” Eighteenth Century Studies (27), (4). Sabino, Robin, Jennifer Hall. (1999). “The Path Not Taken: Cultural Identity in the Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano.” Melus (24). Read More