Term Paper on "African Slave Trade"
Term Paper 4 pages (1384 words) Sources: 1
[EXCERPT] . . . .
African Slave Trade -- Equiano's Travels:The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano
How are the views and opinions against the institution of slavery linked to the Age of Reason, also known as the Age of Enlightenment? Thesis: Olaudah Equiano's book offers dramatic, first-hand proof of how inhumane and morally decadent the slave trade was, and because Equiano's level of scholarship and literary sophistication was impressive and deep, it led to a higher level of acceptance among educated people, in particular those involved in the antislavery movement during the Enlightenment.
Equiano's Book and the Enlightenment
Equiano was among the most influential -- and interesting -- men of African ethnicity that was alive in the late 18th century, and hence what he wrote in his brilliantly crafted yet straight forward book was well read, widely reviewed, thoroughly discussed in the context of an Enlightened society, and indeed opened the door for him to earn a good living and make a strong impression in society. The reputation he earned is due to the fact that his writing described the horror of slavery and made an impression that way. But the book goes much further than merely describing the pathos and horror of being uprooted from his native culture into slavery. In his book he also embraces important features of 18th century seamanship -- the pivotal skills within that form of transportation -- along with 18th century education, publishing, being a black man in a culture of whiteness, religion, and of course slavery in that era. He was a man who -- while escaping the dreaded brutality of slavery -- earned a decent living, q
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Educated and enlightened Englanders and Europeans could hardly help but be profoundly stirred by reading accounts of the brutal realities of slavery and the slave trade by Equiano, because he presented the details so poignantly, yet simply, and believable. It was not uncommon for slaves at St. Kitt's in the West Indies to be "branded with the initial letters of their master's name, and a load of iron hooks hung about their necks," Equiano explains (p. 68). There were "instruments of torture" as well including "The iron muzzle, thumbscrews… [and] I have seen a negro beaten till some of his bones were broken for even letting a pot boil over" (Equiano, p. 68). On page 69 Equiano recounts having seen "…acts of violence on the poor, wretched, and helpless females, whom I have seen for hours stand crying to no purpose and get no redress or pay of any kind." The author asks his reader: "Is not this one common and crying sin enough to bring down God's judgment on the islands?" (p. 69).
Equiano's book was well received and made a profound impression on those scholars and other literate members of Enlightened European society -- including those citizens, teachers, activists, scholars and lawyers involved in antislavery movements -- in large part because of the eloquence of his cultural descriptions. For example, here is a man whose colorful, uniquely African culture -- the Igbo culture -- was flourishing prior to Equiano being ripped away from the delights of his people. "We are almost a nation of dancers, musicians, and poets," he wrote on page 3 of his book. When the Igbo warriors return from a triumphant battle "or other cause of public rejoicing" the members of his culture engage in… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "African Slave Trade" Assignment:
ONLY SOURCE: The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano Written by Himself
TOPIC:
The African Slave Trade: How are the opinions against slavery connected to the Enlightenment? What part of the experiences of Olaudah Equiano and Thomas Phillips do you think were most effective in the anti-slavery side of the debate over the slave trade?
CITATION: Must cite evidence (direct quotes) from the book to support your argument. Evidence provides proof that your argument is valid. When citing evidence, you use quotation marks if directly quoting, followed by a page number in parentheses. If putting the evidence into your own words you must include the page number. A combination of direct quotes and paraphrasing should be used throughout your paper.
*****¢ EVIDENCE & ANALYSIS: Each paragraph should follow its topic sentence with at least one piece of evidence; either a direct quote or paraphrase and your explanation of that evidence.
How to Reference "African Slave Trade" Term Paper in a Bibliography
“African Slave Trade.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2011, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/african-slave-trade-equiano/5563425. Accessed 5 Oct 2024.
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