Culture-Shock and Double Identity in Slave-Trading Times. The Case of Olaudah Equiano's Interesting Narrative

Seminar paper from the year 2011 in the subject English - Literature, Works, grade: 2,0, University of Trier, course: The African Diaspora in North America, language: English, abstract: This term paper will deal with the culture shock of African slaves who came into contact with European imperial society. They, being forced to journey to the Americas, must have had to endure and process many cultural conflicts. The journey's impact will provide the basis to investigate on a possible double identity being created by the slaves to arrange with their new culture, as well as with their cultural heritage.

Olaudah Equiano's The Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African will serve as an important resource for this purpose. To begin, the European culture in the 18th century will be looked at. Especially the European attitude towards other cultures will be of interest. Afterwards it will be set into contrast with the culture of the African tribes. A special account will be taken to compare historical data to Olaudah Equiano's descriptions of Igbo culture and the theme of culture clash will be examined. Included in this, the phases of culture shock will be explained.

In the following section, I will look at cultural similarities between British and African societies, based on accounts of Equiano's Interesting Narrative. Evidence of his assimilation to European culture will be used when attempting to demonstrate his European identity. Having clarified this, a closer look will be taken at how culture and identity are connected. Following that, an attempt will be made to explain the creation of identity. Focusing on Equiano, the circumstances of developing a double identity will be investigated. Finally, Equiano's case will be used to explain the progress and stages of double identity throughout his life.

Of course, it is arguable, whether Equiano actually came from Africa or was born in the Americas. However, this is no matter of investigation in the present paper. Nevertheless, it shall be considered by the reader. Still, in this paper Equiano's report of African life shall be taken as it is. For the purpose of exploring his historical accuracy, I have added the historical account of African nations to either verify or disprove his observations. Disregarding of how accurate Equiano's historical insides will be, his report unquestionably reveals the effects of cross- cultural encounters on the individual's identity.