III explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Slavery and Oppression

  Equiano experiences the brutal reality of slavery, including the iron muzzle and the fear of being eaten, highlighting the dehumanization and violence of the institution.

• Identity and Belonging

  Equiano is renamed Gustavus Vassa against his will, reflecting the loss of his original identity and the struggle to maintain a sense of self in a foreign land.

• Family and Separation

  Equiano is separated from his countrymen and left alone in Virginia, deepening his misery and longing for connection.

Characters to notice

• Olaudah Equiano

  The author, now called Jacob and later renamed Gustavus Vassa by Captain Pascal; he is terrified and confused by the new sights and customs.

• Captain Pascal

  Lieutenant Michael Henry Pascal, who buys Equiano from Mr. Campbell and renames him Gustavus Vassa; he treats Equiano with a mix of kindness and cruelty.

• Dick

  Richard Baker, a young American lad who becomes Equiano's close friend and instructor on the ship; he comforts Equiano and explains things to him.

• Mr. Campbell

  Equiano's master in Virginia, from whose house Equiano is taken by Captain Pascal.

Key passages

• “I now totally lost the small remains of comfort I had enjoyed in conversing with my countrymen; the women too, who used to wash and take care of me, were all gone different ways, and I never saw one of them afterwards.”

  Equiano lost the last bit of solace he had from talking with his fellow Africans, and the women who had cared for him were all sent away, never to be seen again.

  Equiano's isolation deepens as he is separated from his countrymen.

• “I was much astonished and shocked at this contrivance, which I afterwards learned was called the iron muzzle.”

  Equiano was horrified by the device, later known as the iron muzzle, used to restrain a slave woman.

  The iron muzzle symbolizes the extreme cruelty of slavery.

• “I was quite surprised at the noise it made, and was afraid it would tell the gentleman anything I might do amiss: and when I immediately after observed a picture hanging in the room, which appeared constantly to look at me, I was still more affrighted, having never seen such things as these before.”

  Equiano was startled by the ticking watch and terrified that it might report his actions, and the portrait that seemed to watch him only increased his fear.

  Equiano's unfamiliarity with European technology and art causes him great anxiety.

• “I now thought my condition much mended; I had sails to lie on, and plenty of good victuals to eat; and everybody on board used me very kindly, quite contrary to what I had seen of any white people before; I therefore began to think that they were not all of the same disposition.”

  Equiano felt his situation had improved because he had comfortable bedding, ample food, and kind treatment from the crew, leading him to realize that not all white people were cruel.

  Equiano's first positive experience with white people on the ship to England.

• “Some of the people of the ship used to tell me they were going to carry me back to my own country, and this made me very happy. I was quite rejoiced at the sound of going back; and thought if I should get home what wonders I should have to tell. But I was reserved for another fate, and was soon undeceived when we came within sight of the English coast.”

  Equiano was told he was being taken back to Africa, which made him joyful, but he was disappointed when they arrived in England instead.

  Equiano's hope of returning home is dashed upon reaching England.