ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -He says that his African birth name was Olaudah Equiano, with his slave name being Gustavus Vassa. Here the man is referred to as Vassa, because that was the name he used himself, as evidenced in his baptism, his naval records, marriage certificate and will.

Detailed explanation-2: -The person portrayed in The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano; or, Gustavus Vassa, the African (London, 1789) was known in his own day as Vassa, and sometimes the African, although today he is known as Equiano. 1.

Detailed explanation-3: -As author and prominent abolitionist he identified by the name that he was known, that is, Gustavus Vassa, not Olaudah Equiano. ‘’Vassa” was the name legally assigned to him by the British Empire (this was his name on his manumission papers as well).

Detailed explanation-4: -One of his masters, Henry Pascal, the captain of a British trading vessel, gave Equiano the name Gustavas Vassa, which he used throughout his life, though he published his autobiography under his African name.

Detailed explanation-5: -During his lifetime, Equiano was known by three different names. His African name was Olaudah Equiano. His American master from Virginia decided to change Equiano’s name to Jacob. A short time later, an English merchant purchased “Jacob, ” took him to England, and renamed him again.