How about, for #2: "At the merchant's in Barbados, the captor confined the slaves to a yard."
#1 and #3: I agree with you.
In the following sentences based on the selection by Equiano, the verbs are all in the passive voice. Decide if each would be more effective in the active voice. If so, rewrite the sentence, adding or dropping words as necessary. If not, explain your reasons for leaving the verb in the passive voice.
1. Equiano and his sister were kidnapped from their home in West Africa.
A: Slave holders kidnapped Equiano and his sister from their home in West Africa.
2. During the journey across the ocean, Equiano was separated from his sister.
A: I am leaving the verb in the passive voice because the active voice makes it sound as though Equiano willing separated himself from his sister. The passive voice works best for this sentence.
3. At the merchant's in Barbados, the captives were confined to a yard.
A: I am leaving the verb in the passive voice because the verb in the active voice makes the sentence lose its meaning. Furthermore, the verb in the active voice does not make any sense.
4. Eventually, they were purchased.
A: Eventually, slave holders on Barbados purchased them.
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