The Life of Olaudah Equiano Lesson Plan

What role does alcohol play in the narrative? How does it impact Equiano’s journey?

Alcohol is widely consumed in the narrative, primarily by white people, particularly the sailors. It is one of the reasons Equiano is able to become a sailor again—Captain Farmer is constantly being delayed by the drunkenness of his crew. Alcohol also impacts Equiano in other ways. When the ship hits a rock and is in danger of sinking, most of the (white) crew simply take to drinking rather than trying to save themselves or their companions. Drunkenness also plays a role in the event where a drunken slave insults Equiano and they get into a fight. Overall, the impact appears negative, though...