The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano · Chapter
Chapter XII: Different Transactions of the Author's Life Till the Present Time explained
Equiano reflects on the economic and moral arguments for abolishing the slave trade, describes his involvement with the Sierra Leone expedition as a commissary for the Black Poor, recounts his service under Governor Macnamara, and details h
What happens
Equiano reflects on the economic and moral arguments for abolishing the slave trade, describes his involvement with the Sierra Leone expedition as a commissary for the Black Poor, recounts his service under Governor Macnamara, and details his application to the Bishop of London to become a missionary to Africa.
Themes in this chapter
Abolition and Advocacy
Equiano presents a detailed economic case for ending the slave trade and describes his role in the Sierra Leone resettlement project.
Economic Enterprise and Self-Reliance
Equiano argues that free trade with Africa would open immense markets for British manufactures, benefiting both parties.
Christianity and Providence
Equiano seeks ordination as a missionary to convert his countrymen, and reflects on seeing God's hand in all events.
Hypocrisy of Civilization
Equiano exposes corruption and neglect by the agent in the Sierra Leone expedition, highlighting the mistreatment of the Black Poor.
Characters to notice
- Olaudah Equiano
Narrates his life after 1777, serves as commissary for the Sierra Leone expedition, applies to the Bishop of London for missionary work.
- Mat Macnamara
Governor whom Equiano served in 1779; proposed sending Equiano as a missionary to Africa.
- Captain Thomas Farmer
Capt. Thompson of the Nautilus, who convoyed the Sierra Leone expedition and witnessed abuses.
- Dr. Charles Irving
Mentioned as Mr. Irving, from whom surplus provisions were to be received for the Sierra Leone voyage.
Key passages
“The abolition of slavery would be in reality an universal good.”
Ending slavery would benefit everyone.
Equiano's core abolitionist argument.
“I early accustomed myself to look for the hand of God in the minutest occurrence, and to learn from it a lesson of morality and religion.”
From a young age, I trained myself to see God's influence in every small event and to draw moral and religious lessons from it.
Equiano explains his providential worldview.
“I was struck with the flagrant abuses committed by the agent, and endeavoured to remedy them, but without effect.”
I was shocked by the agent's blatant misconduct and tried to fix it, but failed.
Equiano's frustration with corruption in the Sierra Leone expedition.