1equiano Rdas F09

Reading Assignment Topics Olaudah Equiano

Instructions: Write a page (minimum) in response to each of the following topics. Be as detailed and as thoughtful as you can. This is not a research exercise. The aim is to encourage close reading and specific thinking about the texts as part of your preparation before coming to class. You must be clear and coherent, but thought, attention to detail, and willingness to play with reasonable possibilities of meaning will all count more than either “expression” or “correctness.” Handwritten responses are acceptable. Late responses will not be counted. 1. In what specific ways does Equiano share or reflect the perspectives, values, or world view of Franklin? (I.e. in what ways are they both Enlightenment figures?) Bonus: (Not required) 2. In what specific ways does Equiano try to orient the reader to an African perspective of his experience? Does he write as an African or as a European? 3. An American scholar has recently discovered what he considers fairly strong evidence that Equiano may have been born in South Carolina and not Africa. If true, what difference would that make in the way we read his Interesting Narrative? How might it change our sense of the significance of the narrative? I.e., should it matter? Due: Wednesday, October 7