The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, the African

Equiano is writing for a white European audience who may question his ability to write The Interesting Narrative. How does Equiano enhance his credibility at the start of the narrative? Examine the front matter (frontispiece illustration of him, letter, and list of subscribers) in particular.

Equiano describes his Igbo culture in the first chapter of the book. What rhetorical devices does Equiano use to portray Africa to his audience, and what are their effects?

Equiano also includes a detailed account of his kidnapping, introduction to the transatlantic slave trade, the Middle Passage, and sale in the hands of African collaborators and Europeans. How does he represent these Europeans in terms of their morals and culture? How does his representation of Europeans compare with his representation of Africans?