AFL - Hardship and Independence Lesson

Hardship and Independence

From the Oral Tradition, Pre-colonial and Colonial literature appears and brings the theme of hardship, along with the fight for independence. Many narratives appear and reveal the difficulties Africans faced in light of the slave trade. Also, African drama began appearing and detailing the issues among African tribes, as well as detailing the horrors of the slave trade.

Nonfiction

Several types of nonfiction appear throughout African literature. Slave narratives represent a type of nonfiction that details the horrors of the slave trade and the corruption of the Europeans in perpetuating the cycle of slavery. The slave narratives give first-hand accounts of the experiences many slaves endured during this time period.

About the Author - Olaudah Equiano

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano is an autobiography and one of the first slave narratives written that focuses on the horrors of the slave trade. Equiano, also known as Gustavus Vassa, was a prominent African involved in ending the slave trade. He was enslaved as a child and purchased his freedom in order to focus on being a merchant, writer, and explorer. Remember that although Equiano was able to purchase his freedom, many slaves did not have that chance.

Reading Assignment: The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

Click here Links to an external site. to read the excerpts from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano in order to gain a deeper understanding of the corruption occurring in Africa regarding the slave trade.

Comparing Genres

Reading the biography or autobiography of a person and watching a cinematic version of a biography and autobiography provides two different ways to interpret a person's life. In order to have a well-rounded interpretation, click here to view the biography of Olaudah Equiano. Links to an external site. Make sure to take notes because your assignment will pertain to the different mediums in this module.

Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano Interactivity

Use the questions below to assess your understanding of the narrative.

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.