The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Chapter 5 summary
Chapter 5 of 12 · 28 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, the narrator loses his chance of rescue in England, reaches Montserrat, and is sold to Mr. Robert King, whose comparatively kind treatment offers some relief. His work exposes him to widespread theft, violence, and family separation, which he uses to challenge slavery and the laws protecting slaveholders.
What happens
- The narrator seeks comfort in prayer, but a sailor steals his money while pretending to arrange his escape.
- The convoy leaves before his friends can rescue him, and he reaches Montserrat in despair.
- Captain Doran sells him to Mr. Robert King, who values his skills and treats him comparatively kindly.
- He rows boats, handles cargo, and performs clerical and household tasks while observing other enslaved people's suffering.
- He describes stolen earnings, sexual violence, torture, broken families, and laws that protect those who kill enslaved people.
- He argues that slavery corrupts owners and that humane treatment benefits both enslaved people and planters.

Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Die interessante Lebensgeschichte des Olaudah Equiano, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
Quick check
Why does Captain Doran refuse to take the narrator to London?

Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Die interessante Lebensgeschichte des Olaudah Equiano, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free

















