After reading chapter twelve of Equiano's narrative, I found it very interesting how Equiano chose to wrap up the narrative in a semi quick manner considering he spent so long writing in length about the rest of his life. Especially, when he started mentioning and adding letters from his white friends urging a bishop to be appointed a missionary. Throughout the memoir, Equiano has always been showcasing his ups and downs with his christian faith. I believe that, at least part of the reason that he included the letters and mentions of his faith is because, in many respects part of the reasons for colonizing different parts of the world was to introduce different peoples to the Christianity and because Christianity is a big marker that many Europeans relate to. In relating to his audience more, they are much more willing to sympathize with his cause, abolition.
In addition, like in many parts of the narrative, Equiano mentions and questions the hypocrisy of the Europeans who call themselves Christians. Christians are supposed to be loving of all peoples and treat people with respect, yet many of the ones that Equiano comes across are the opposite of this. In bringing up this hypocrisy Equiano sort of puts the audience in a position to prove themselves. It makes them think that in order to be a good christian they have to at least consider abolition otherwise they aren't living up to the faith that they impose on others.
Hi Monique! I really enjoyed reading your take on Equiano's abrupt ending. While definitely shorter than other passages in the novel, I believe this format is most effective for getting his final message across: reasons to why the slave trade should be abolished. I think constantly including references to his faith adds a great deal to his "credibility" as an author considering his target audience is mainly Christian Europeans.
ReplyDeleteHi Monique! I also think found Equiano's relationship with religion, specially Christianity, interesting. I think that throughout his entire journey to freedom, Equiano figures out that he needs to separate religion from the people that practice it so that it can be enriching to him.
ReplyDeleteHi Monique! I didn't really consider the final chapter's theme of religion and the hypocrisy of a Christian slave owner, though that was certainly present throughout the book. I definitely agree that Equiano struggles with his faith, especially considering the disconnect between many of the Christians he sees and the actual faith itself that Equiano practices closely.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your insightful analysis of chapter twelve of Equiano's narrative. Equiano's decision to wrap up his narrative with a focus on his Christian faith and the letters from his white friends urging the appointment of a bishop as a missionary serves to further his cause of abolition. By highlighting the hypocrisy of many Europeans who claim to be Christians but do not follow the principles of love and respect, Equiano puts his audience in a position to consider their own values and actions. This makes them more willing to sympathize with his cause and consider the idea of abolition as part of their Christian duty. Overall, Equiano's strategic use of his Christian faith and the letters from his white friends serves to further his argument for social justice and inspire his audience to take action.
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