Upon reading Careys views on Equiano’s place of birth, I believe he was really born in Africa. His descriptive portrayal of his hometown or province is vividly captured in the first chapter. He also describes the cultural norms of his birthplace, “We are almost a nation of dancers, musicians, and poets.”[1]Also, in his narrative, the recurring theme of religion suggests that Equiano embodied that of a righteous individual, who was eager to learn the “knowledge of God”[2] These portrayals are accurate characterizations of an honest individual. Moreover, as noted in Careys webpage, one of Equiano’s main desires was to help end the slave trade, it would have been an embarrassment personally and a significant blow towards the abolitionist cause, thus the falsification of truths would have been an immense gamble by Equiano. In hindsight he had more to lose by lying. Also, Equiano “threatened legal action against the authors of ‘the invidious falsehood’”…[3] This reiterates the seriousness of Equiano’s motives in producing an accurate account of the slave trade and helping to abolish it. In understanding the case against Equiano, it is plausible to bring forth arguments such as his Baptismal records, and the roll call sheet on his voyage to the Arctic. Both are indeed mystifying to say the least. In perspective, I believe these two instances could be combinations of misunderstandings and white lies. Although both sides produce compelling arguments, the integrity and character that Equiano presented himself to be, serves as a compelling motive that Equiano was indeed born in Africa.
[1] Olaudah, Equiano. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano: Written by Himself with Related Documents, ed. with an Introduction by Robert J Allison (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007) 47.
[2] Ibid. 85
[3] Allison, Robert J. Introduction. Olaudah, Equiano. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano: Written by Himself with Related Documents. (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007) 25.
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