Perspective

Part of the value of the Interesting Narrative is that it is an abolitionist text written from the perspective of an enslaved African. Equiano is clearly in a position to accurately relay the various horrors of the slave trade, as he has many years of both first-hand and second-hand experience. Furthermore, Equiano has acquired an excellent grasp of the English language and the writing style of the 18th century, and so (thinking in terms of his contemporary influence) Equiano is an especially effective advocate for abolition, as he is able to speak the language of the noble men and women he wishes to reach and affect with his story.

While the emotions of initial enslavement and other hardships have been dulled by time, Equiano recreates his emotional turmoil with a considerable degree of skill, and the events relayed bear authentic detail and specificity.

Equiano is completely unafraid in...