Philosophy of Equiano's "Interesting Narratives"
Philosophy of Equiano's "Interesting Narratives"
The most fascinating issues in Equiano’s Interesting Narrative are his portrayal of his homeland and his primary cultural values. Why does Equiano’s Igbo heritage follow him throughout his vast experiences of other lands and cultures? Equiano’s idealization of his tribe and their culture dominates his memories and actions. Equiano’s acceptance of Christianity and an English lifestyle is possible only due to the integrity of Christian values to the primordial culture of his childhood. The Igbo culture seems the stronger of the two influences, having been an integral part of his consciousness at the time his worldview formed.
From the beginning of the book, Equiano’s description of his African homeland takes on a rather factual tone, “Of these the most considerable is the kingdom of Benin, both as to extent and wealth, the richness and cultivation of the soil, the power of its king, and the number and warlike disposition of the inhabitants” (32). The tone alters from encyclopedia-like and general to personal and specific, the narrative voice being doubtlessly that of an adult. This narrative tone was common at the time and resembles Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. This confident tone, however, doesn’t take away from the authenticity of the narrative, but rather highlights the importance of the experiences and culture Equiano’s African childhood provide, these being vital to his worldview and self image.
His land is a rich “nation of dancers, musicians and poets” (34) and yet the people of Essaka live in a “simple” manner, their art replicating real life. The aspirations, which are exemplified in Igbo life are cleanliness and convenience, the qualities exemplified in its people, “hardiness, intelligence, integrity and zeal” (38), both bear a resemblance to western ideals as well. Equiano slightly idealizes the brilliant memories of his homeland and his people, in hindsight. Nevertheless the Igbo cultural values he takes from them are very real. These principles become his own, idealized or not. Equiano holds on to his original values throughout his experiences, because the cultural values of the Igbo are easily integrated. Both Igbos and westerners were competitive, individualistic, status-conscious, and practical. Thus, Equiano can keep his native ideals even after he meets the Christian world. The values of freedom and religion are compatible in both cultures, whereas the idea of slavery...