Olaudah Equiano

Vince Tang
English 48A
Journal for O. Equiano
November 8, 2011

Reading Quote:

“…if ever it were my lot to be free, nothing could prevent me…on the other hand, if it were my fate not to be freed, I never should be so, and all my endeavors for that purpose would be fruitless” (700).

Research Quote:

“… [Equiano] gained his liberty by paying forty pounds- money he earned by carrying on his own business while managing King’s…” (675).

Summary of Reading Quote:

Equiano had converted to Christianity and the quote says that he accepts the fact that his freedom is in the hands of God.

Response:

There are instances in life that we simply cannot control. Nature can bring a natural disaster and rip our home apart or someone can burglarize our personal property. This shows that nature will take its course and humans will act as they do. Regardless of the inevitable, we live our lives based on rational judgment. However, should we rely solely on our own decisions? When an unfortunate incident happens, we often think to ourselves of what we could have done to prevent it. This can be viewed as fate but Equiano shows that the power of a religious belief offers a positive perspective. His belief in Christ gives him a sense of acceptance. Rather than being miserable and defiant, Equiano adapts and prospers in his situation. He strives for freedom, but at the same time is ready to accept a life of slavery. He leaves his life in the hands of his religious belief.

Perhaps his optimistic outlook through religion is how we should perceive our own lives. Believing in some higher power gives us a sense of security because we cannot control everything that happens to us in life. We believe that this greater existence will watch over our mortal existence. Aside from the shelter of divinity, religion enhances our appreciations in life. If we do not appreciate what we have, then what is the point of having anything (including life)? In Equiano’s case, his faith in God delivers him from feeling completely enslaved by man. He is able to fully appreciate his life and believes that Christ will determine what he deserves. As we have seen in his biography, the slave was freed.