Question

In the 3rd paragraph from the end, Equiano describes his fascination with a quadrant, a tool that sailors use to see far away and measure distances. What can you infer about Equiano based on this passage? Does this passage make you feel differently about the slave traders? Provide textual evidence to support your response.

Answer 1

The passage is:

"I also now first saw the use of the quadrant. I had often with astonishment seen the mariners make observations with it, and I could not think what it meant. They at last took notice of my surprise; and one of them, willing to increase it, as well as to gratify my curiosity, made me one day look through it. The clouds appeared to me to be land, which disappeared as they passed along. This heightened my wonder: and I was now more persuaded than ever that I was in another world, and that every thing about me was magic."

• This passage shows the Equiano was a curious, observant person. It also shows that although he was in such a horrible situation, he was resilient and hopeful enough to still experience beautiful things, such as the "magic" of a quadrant.

• The passage also shows you that some of the traders were occasionally compassionate. This reminds us that although the trade was an incredibly cruel, inhuman business, those who participated in it were common people, who were subject to all the feelings common people have.