Olaudah Equiano's The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa, the African is a slave narrative. For what purpose were slave narratives published during Equiano's lifetime?

Question

to boast of the personal achievements of slaves who became writers

to persuade readers to abolish the Atlantic slave trade

to influence the treatment of Native people by whites in America

to show the spiritual growth facilitated by surviving slavery

Answer 1

Slave narratives, including Olaudah Equiano's "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa, the African," were primarily published to persuade readers to abolish the Atlantic slave trade. These narratives aimed to expose the harsh realities of slavery, evoke empathy in readers, and rally support for the abolitionist movement. By sharing their personal experiences, former slaves sought to illustrate the moral and ethical imperatives for ending the inhumane practice of slavery and the slave trade. While other themes such as personal achievement and spiritual growth may be present, the overarching goal was to advocate for abolition.