Throughout his text, Equiano's definition of abolition desired to end the slave trade by reforming slavery into a more caring and friendly institution. Furthermore, this was illustrated throughout the novel because, although Equiano was a slave himself, he believed in private property. Furthermore, he is an honest man and says that he will never escape his master unless he is treated unsatisfactorily. In contrast to slavery as a whole, Equiano firmly believes that if slaves were treated more humanely, there would be mutual respect, so slaves would be more loyal and easier to obey. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay As Equiano's feelings change throughout the text, his definition of freedom slowly evolves with his time in the slave trade. For example, early on, when Equiano was first kidnapped, he desperately prayed to be brought home to Africa. He claims he cried non-stop for days and refused to eat anything except what she forced him to consume. This illustrates Equiano's initial belief in how evil the slave trade was because it was tearing families apart. This also shows how being fascinated by the slave trade was affecting Equiano mentally and physically. He was confused as to why he was being taken from his home and being told what to do. In contrast, Equiano's perception begins when he arrives at his first master's house after several days of sea voyage. When he arrives, Equiano acknowledges their treatment of him in the text and describes how it took him by surprise. He claims that his master's wife treated him like his mother and that the entire family tried to comfort him. These kind gestures during his vulnerability are a representation of Equiano's belief transition that sheds a more positive light on the slave trade. For example, when he arrives in Tinmah Africa, Equiano is purchased by a widow and her son. He describes the treatment they received as superb in his eyes. This shows how African slave owners tended to be more open to helping their slaves and making sure they were comfortable in the home. On the contrary, when Equiano comes into contact with European slave owners he realizes the great differences between Africans and Europeans. Europeans in his eyes were incredibly malicious and treated their slaves like animals as they starved, beat, and neglected them. Furthermore, Equiano notes how European owners ate the fish they caught and instead of feeding their slaves, the leftover fish were thrown back. in the ocean. Throwing leftover food into the ocean represents how Europeans intentionally discouraged their slaves by making them feel inferior and helpless. However, when Equiano was purchased by his first master, it is said that the day after the purchase he was given a bath and perfumed and then taken to dinner to eat with the master's wife and son. Continuing, Equiano states that their compensation made him forget that he was a slave. This example illustrates another example of Equiano's transition regarding his judgment on the slave trade. The message that this abolitionist text portrays is to convey the ferocity of the slave trade. Equiano tends to deal with his suffering by turning to God and reading biblical verses. He says he realizes that the slave trade cannot be good because it violates the independence, equality and right of humanity that God would never havewanted. This affirms Equiano's awareness that the practice of buying and selling humans is inhumane, therefore he questions the slave trade because God would not approve. By questioning the process of the slave trade, Equiano develops his desire to abolish the slave trade and reform slavery. This was a turning point because it marks the main message of the book, which will convey the barbaric effects of the slave trade. Furthermore, Daniel Queen was a man who became fond of Equiano and taught him to read the Bible. Once Equiano had the ability to read the Bible, he became increasingly interested in human rights and God's plan for humanity. Daniel Queen was a father figure to Equiano, and he says Daniel paid attention to his morals and didn't expect him to lie because of the consequences and how God would no longer love him. Henceforth, the practice of Christianity shows an aspect of freedom in his extraordinary journey that allowed him to escape his reality and turn to God in his time of need. Furthermore, the message of the evils of the slave trade is shown when African Americans are stripped of their identity and forced to take on new names and traditions. Equiano disliked taking a new name when his captain and master renamed him, Gustavus Vasa, claimed his name was Jacob, which led to Equiano being abused by his captain. After being abused, Equiano was forced to think that he would be constantly abused. Likewise, Equiano says white slave owners acted savagely, and he has never seen his community experience such brutal cruelty. Therefore, the horrors of the slave trade describe the message Equiano is attempting to convey in his abolitionist text. Equiano is against the slave trade as a whole because the process of enslavement tends to be worse than death. He describes the conditions as absolutely harsh and saw children on the ship thrown into tubs and suffocated. Equiano thought this would happen to him too and accepted it because he wanted to put an end to his miseries. This confirms that conditions were so dehumanizing that slaves were pushed beyond the point of sanity. Furthermore, due to the abrasive conditions, slaves became increasingly reluctant to perform tasks because they were tired and unhappy. Similarly, Equiano recounts an incident in which he was too depressed to eat, so when Europeans offered him food he refused. Due to his decline, they took Equiano by the hands and tied his feet while beating him severely. This demonstrates the control the masters had over the slaves and depicts their lack of say in any situation. Later, since the slaves had no say in personal choices, they began small acts of rebellion like what Equiano did, namely denying food. In contrast, Equiano states that if slaves were treated like humans, they would tend to be more honest, loyal, and intelligent. This goes against the book as a whole because Equiano has a consistent philosophy regarding the slave trade and the belief that slaves would conform more easily if treated like human beings goes against what he says. This also means that Equiano is saying that if slavery were reformed it would be better suited, which is not what he believes throughout his abolitionist text. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get Custom EssayThis abolitionist text regarding Olaudah Equiano's experience of the slave trade highlights the desire to reform slavery as a whole and abolish the trade.