The Life of Olaudah Equiano

Why might Equiano have asked the captain to call him Jacob rather than Olaudah?

literary analysis:slave narratives worksheet from the interesting narratives of the lofe of olaudah equiano

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Equiano was called Jacob while on the plantation in Virginia. We can infer that he considered Jacob his new name, as he was far removed from his homeland. The Captain called him Gustavus (renamed him), a name Equiano refused to answer to (he wanted to be called Jacob).... after a number of beatings, he submitted to yet another name.

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The Life of Olaudah Equiano