Olaudah Equiano Identity

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano presented English identity as the epitome of modernity, and the mark of cultural maturity. Rather than being a set racial or national identity Equiano portrayed Englishness as an achievable goal, even for a racially black man. The Narrative intentionally depicted Equiano’s transformation from African boy to Englishman as a positive change. Through the portrayal of his life as a struggle to become an Englishman; and his telling of a willing adoption of Anglican religion and cultural values, Olaudah Equiano purposefully appealed to the paternalistic nature of the English in order to advocate for the abolition of slavery. The Narrative depicted the African people as infantile and naïve.

Equiano incorporates literary allusions and quotations throughout his narrative. These allusions and quotations established Equiano as a learned man and contributed to his self identity as an englishman. His pride in his literacy is also found in the full title of his narrative, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano Written by Himself, Equiano took pride in his literacy and knew it had an impact on his audience. By asserting his literacy the Narrative proved that africans had the capacity to read and

Olaudah Equiano argued that Africans would willingly and eagerly except Englishness as superior when they were educated and exposed to the wonders of English civilization, “the native inhabitants will insensibly adopt the British fashions, manners customs &c. In proportion to the civilization, so will be the consumption of British manufactures.” Equiano’s intentional focus on his journey to become an Englishman, and the lengths he went to better himself supported his final claim that Englishness would be readily accepted by other