Summary Of The Transatlantic Slave Trade By Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano’s story of his life provides an intellectual, historical, and emotional basis for the study of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This autobiography discusses the plight experienced by Olaudah Equiano and his experience in the slave trade. Throughout his life, he collected information and stories about his own culture, upbringing, and of his experiences within the slave trade to inform the story of his life. He eventually wrote them all down for readers to absorb, comprehend, and appreciate. Additionally, his story is important for current scholarly work because the slave trade acts as an important aspect of history that shapes African society as well as current attitudes in all parts of the world. Olaudah Equiano expressed†¦show more content†¦On this journey, his name became Gustavus Vassa, which became the name he went by from that point forward. He was also introduced to Christianity. Gustavus sailed on many ships as a deckhand and travelled to many co untries and cities trading goods and slaves throughout most his life. These places include but are not limited to Monsterrat in the West Indies, Philadelphia, Georgia, Italy, Turkey. On some ships, he hated the idea of slavery and often wished for death over being a slave, which inspired him to consider how to gain his freedom. While still a slave, he was given permission to sell some of his own goods to make money for his livelihood. He expressed wanting to obtain his freedom and to move back to England. Once in England, he made a living by dressing hair; however, once he needed more money, he returned to working on ships as a crew member and a hair dresser. His Christian faith grew stronger until it became his entire reason for travelling as an evangelist to Sierra Leone in Africa for his religion. Eventually, he returned in England and wrote a petition to the Queen for the abolishment of the slave trade. He concludes his memoir stating that abolishing slavery is an act that can contribute to the betterment of everyone in the world. He also emphasizes the role of his God in his life and how everything in his life was made more meaningful and important because of his religion. Reading this book added