Isela Larreinaga

English 302

Professor Rumore

19 May 2020

      Critical Annotations Based on Readings

1. Quote from Oroonoko by Aphra Behn

“His face was not of that brown, rusty black which most of that nation are, but a perfect ebony or polished jet. His eyes were the most awful that could be seen, and very piercing; the white of them being like snow, as were his teeth. His nose was rising and Roman instead of African and flat.” – Page 15 

We’re presented with a vivid image of Oroonoko but not the way most readers or people in general would expect. Oroonoko from the beginning of his physical description is much more different than the people of his nation. He’s presented with European-like features and characteristics and the use of imagery allows readers to understand the significance of Oroonoko’s presence and value to society. We, as readers can assume the author pictured him to be this way because it was more socially acceptable. 

2. Quote from The Interesting Narrative and Other Writings by Olaudah Equiano 

“The white people looked and acted as I thought, in no savage a manner; for I had never seen among any people such instances of brutal cruelty, and this not only shews towards us blacks, but also to some of the whites themselves.” – Page 56 

The narrator discusses the idea of cruelty and not understanding the extreme severity of power and what stems from it. He can’t wrap his mind around the acceptance of abuse and neglect from white men. He begins to question whether or not white folks are the true barbaric ones in this scenario. He’s been called several different names and abused to the point of no return throughout the novel yet he lacked the desire to turn to violence (unless necessary). This quote is extremely important for the novel itself but for the perspective readers and writers look at history. 

3. Quote from The Interesting Narrative and Other Writings by Olaudah Equiano 

“I wept very bitterly for some time: and began to think that I must have done something to displease the lords.” – Page 95

Equiano doesn’t focus heavily on the idea of religion in the novel but it’s always recurring. Religion has been the gateway for many of those who were enslaved. It gave them a sense of relief that maybe one day their prayers will be answered. Many might not understand why religion is such a focal point in one’s life but in this case, believing in the higher powers meant hope and a sense of escape from the horrors one is experiencing. 

4. Quote from On Being Brought From Africa to America by Phyllis Wheatley

“Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,

      May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.” 

In the beginning of the poem we’re presented with Wheatley’s appreciative attitude of being brought into America because it led to the discovery of Christianity. Yet as the poem ends, her tone shifts – making it clear that people of color aren’t to be seen as evil. Before the eyes of God, there is no one to be neglected or turned away simply because of their skin color. It’s almost as if her poem was a shout into the world especially to her white counterparts that religion does not discriminate. 

5. Quote from To His Excellency General Washington by Phyllis Wheatley

“As when Eolus heaven’s fair face deforms,

Enwrapp’d in tempest and a night of storms;”

Wheatley within the poem uses similes to compare the American Revolution to Gods and Goddesses. It’s almost as if Wheatley is praising the Americans and George Washington as divine. Here she makes a reference to the God of winds and it’s not the only reference she makes to Greek mythology. The use of similes emphasizes her gratitude and admiration for the American people (Especially Washington) who were at war fighting for freedom – a noble act it was.