preview

Olaudah Equiano's Real Identity

Decent Essays

Back in Equiano’s time, many authors used to hide their real identity by the names they choose. Some did not want to have recognition and others may have done so out of fear. I believe that this is what has happened with Mr. Olaudah Equiano; many don't know his real name but just know his story. He received this name in 1960 after his death. He thought this through really well, as he used his African name so that everyone knew he was from Africa. African names had much symbolism for enslaved Africans, they would never use them but would remember them.
Equiano had so many names, all at one time, trying to protect himself from being called out as a slave. His name in Britain was Gustavus Vassa, which had his name in newspapers and much more.

Get Access