Identifying Identity within EquianoIn the interesting account of the life of Olaudah Equiano, Equiano skillfully depicts the life he once knew, and the life that he “earns” slowly and painstakingly throughout his slavery after being kidnapped from his home in Africa. Equiano became one of many men, women and children kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Western world. In the text, he demonstrates tact and precision when it comes to recalling the difficulties he faced and observed, as well as his attachment to the few people he met throughout his travels. Equiano's account is a compelling historical account rather than a simple textbook remembrance of slavery, illustrating his adventures in great detail. As a man, Equiano struggles internally with his own concept of identity and what his identity is; it is a struggle that intensifies after his eventual release. Once free, society quickly takes the place of “masters” in Equiano’s life; resenting him and resisting his fight for a life equal to those around him because of the color of his skin. However, what defines who you are? Is it a name, is it your characteristic features? Or is it the color of his skin? As a slave, Equiano had little to call his own. Like a pet, he was bought and sold, his name changing according to his owners: “In this place they called me Jacob; but on board the African snow my name was Michael [...] Michael Henry Pascal [...] saw me and liked me so much that he bought me. [...] he sent me as a present to some of his friends in England: and I was sent accordingly. » (44-45) The narrative raises questions about whether or not an identity is represented by a name or something. more emotional - a trait that...... middle of paper ......opportunities opened up for Equiano. His release allowed him to fit into the society that once captivated him with its wondrous and seemingly magical qualities. Not long ago, he thought that these people “were full of magical arts” (42). This, however, turns out to be false; even though Equiano later decides to follow the ways of the English, he realizes that these English were just as human as Equiano. Equiano's identity was much more than the names his masters gave him. Instead, it was the way he viewed and embraced life and the situations presented to him during his time in captivity.BibliographyEquiano, Olaudah. The interesting account of the life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African, written by himself. Ed. Werner Sollors. New York: WW Norton&Company, 2001. Print. A critical Norton edition.