The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano · Chapter
I explained
Equiano introduces his memoir, describing the customs, governance, religion, and daily life of his native Eboe society in Africa, including his family background and the significance of his name.
What happens
Equiano introduces his memoir, describing the customs, governance, religion, and daily life of his native Eboe society in Africa, including his family background and the significance of his name.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Belonging
Equiano describes his cultural identity, naming customs, and the social structure of his community, emphasizing his place within it.
Christianity and Providence
Equiano acknowledges the mercies of Providence in his life and compares African customs to Jewish practices, hinting at a universal divine order.
Slavery and Oppression
The chapter introduces the institution of slavery within African society and sets the stage for the author's later enslavement.
Characters to notice
- Olaudah Equiano
The author and narrator, born in 1745 in Essaka, named Olaudah meaning 'vicissitude' or 'fortune'.
Key passages
“I believe it is difficult for those who publish their own memoirs to escape the imputation of vanity; nor is this the only disadvantage under which they labour: it is also their misfortune, that what is uncommon is rarely, if ever, believed, and what is obvious we are apt to turn from with disgust, and to charge the writer with impertinence.”
Equiano acknowledges that writing an autobiography risks being seen as vain, and that unusual stories are doubted while ordinary ones are dismissed as trivial.
Equiano defends his decision to write his life story, anticipating criticism.
“I was named Olaudah , which, in our language, signifies vicissitude or fortune also, one favoured, and having a loud voice and well spoken.”
His name Olaudah means change or luck, and also describes someone favored, with a strong voice and eloquence.
Equiano explains the meaning and significance of his African name.