Equiano Team's Project

 I thought the Equiano group did a great job in their presentation, and I definitely learned a lot that I didn't know before. Something that stood out to me most was John's discussion on the conditions in the Middle Passage.

Reflecting on this in the context of Equiano's narrative, I think it serves as a further testament to the impressiveness of Equiano's journey. He survives this Middle Passage and continues on to lead a even more fruitful life. I think it shows Equiano's strength as well, as he makes it through the Middle Passage and still has the energy and stamina to serve a master, continue to fight for his freedom, etc. If I imagine myself in Equiano's shoes, with the information that John gave us, I honestly doubt I would have survived the trip across the Atlantic. If I was able to make it to the destination, I certainly would not be in the condition where I would be ready to work, and I would feel very hopeless. 

I think, overall, the deep dive into the Middle Passage really showed how horrific the conditions Equiano had to endure were, making his survival and success even more impressive. 

Comments

  1. Audrey SchroederFebruary 16, 2023 at 12:12 PM

    Hi Cassi, I agree with everything you've said here. My blog post also centered around the conditions of travel aboard slave ships. Learning more about the conditions Equiano survived was surprising to say the least. It's crazy how someone can even survive conditions like that let alone, as you said, work afterwards.

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  2. Hilary LeFebruary 16, 2023 at 9:54 PM

    Hey Cassi! I think you make a great point about how Equiano's ability to survive and thrive despite those conditions really speaks to his strength and resilience. It's hard to imagine what it would have been like to endure that journey and then be expected to work and continue fighting for one's freedom, but Equiano was able to do it.

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  3. Noah English 11H BlogFebruary 20, 2023 at 5:26 PM

    I agree, it is an amazing testimony to his strength and dedication. I find I often get lost in the book and forget that it was a biography—that everything in it is true. And that what we read is just the portrayal of reality through words, the real events were likely much more vivid, horrendous, and gruesome. Looking at his experiences compared to the average person today, and you can see Equiano's perseverance and drive.

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