What Is Cugoano's Purpose In This Excerpt

What is Cugoano's Purpose in This Excerpt? Analyzing the Rhetorical Strategies of an Abolitionist

Ottobah Cugoano's Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil and Wicked Traffic of the Slavery and Commerce of the Human Species, published in 1787, stands as a monumental work in the abolitionist literature of the 18th century. Its power lies not just in its condemnation of slavery but in its sophisticated rhetorical strategies employed to persuade a largely resistant audience. Analyzing a specific excerpt from this work requires careful attention to Cugoano's multifaceted purpose: to expose the inherent inhumanity of slavery, to dismantle the justifications used to defend it, and ultimately, to galvanize action against this brutal institution.

Unmasking the Inhumanity: Cugoano's Appeal to Morality

A crucial aspect of understanding Cugoano's purpose involves recognizing his appeal to the shared morality of his intended audience. While many readers might have been complicit in, or at least benefitted from, the transatlantic slave trade, Cugoano skillfully addresses their consciences. He doesn't rely solely on emotional appeals, although pathos is certainly present. Instead, he employs logos, constructing a logical argument built on reason and evidence.

The Power of Reason and Logic

Consider, for instance, an excerpt where Cugoano might describe the horrors of the Middle Passage. His purpose isn't merely to shock the reader with graphic detail (although he undoubtedly does that). His primary objective is to demonstrate the inherent contradiction between the professed Christian values of his audience and the barbaric realities of the slave trade. He meticulously lays out the suffering inflicted upon enslaved Africans – the brutal conditions, the rampant disease, the dehumanizing violence – and directly links this suffering to the actions and inaction of those who profit from, or turn a blind eye to, the system.

This logical progression is a key component of his rhetorical strategy. He doesn't simply assert that slavery is evil; he proves it through reasoned argument and the presentation of irrefutable evidence. This approach is significantly more effective than mere emotional appeals, as it directly engages the intellectual capacity of his readers and challenges their preconceived notions.

Challenging the Justification for Slavery: A Deconstruction of Pro-Slavery Arguments

Cugoano doesn't merely expose the horrors of slavery; he actively confronts and dismantles the arguments used to justify it. Pro-slavery advocates often relied on religious rationalizations, claiming that enslaving Africans was divinely ordained or that it was a necessary evil for the "civilization" of a supposedly inferior race. Cugoano directly challenges these justifications.

The Counter-Narrative of Religious Justification

His purpose in addressing these justifications is twofold. First, he aims to demonstrate the hypocrisy of those who use religion to condone cruelty. By appealing to the same scriptures cited by pro-slavery advocates, but interpreting them in a completely different light, he exposes the flawed logic and manipulative use of religious texts. This deft maneuver positions him as a knowledgeable and intellectually superior opponent, effectively undermining the credibility of the pro-slavery arguments.

Exposing the Myth of Racial Inferiority

Secondly, Cugoano directly confronts the racist ideology underpinning the idea of African inferiority. He systematically debunks the myths used to portray Africans as less intelligent, less capable, or inherently less human. He highlights the achievements and contributions of African civilizations, thereby challenging the very foundation upon which the racist justification for slavery rested. His purpose here is to humanize the enslaved Africans, to show them as individuals with complex lives, rich cultures, and inherent dignity. This humanization is essential to dismantling the dehumanizing logic of slavery.

Galvanizing Action: Cugoano's Call to Conscience and Reform

Beyond exposing the inhumanity of slavery and dismantling its justifications, Cugoano’s purpose extends to inspiring action. His writing isn't merely an academic exercise; it's a passionate plea for immediate and radical change.

The Appeal to Action: Moving Beyond Mere Condemnation

While condemnation is a necessary component, Cugoano's purpose moves beyond mere denunciation. He provides concrete examples of what needs to be done, urging his readers to actively participate in the abolitionist movement. This might involve advocating for legislative change, supporting abolitionist societies, or simply speaking out against the injustice of slavery. He recognizes the power of collective action and calls on his audience to join the fight for freedom.

The Strategic Use of Personal Narrative

Cugoano frequently uses his personal experiences of slavery to strengthen his arguments. This isn’t merely self-serving; it serves a powerful rhetorical purpose. By sharing his own story, he humanizes the abstract concept of slavery, allowing readers to connect with the suffering on a deeply personal level. This personal narrative adds emotional weight to his logical arguments, making his call for action more compelling.

Highlighting the Hypocrisy of the System

A key aspect of Cugoano's strategy is highlighting the hypocrisy embedded within the system of slavery. He points out the contradictions between the rhetoric of liberty and equality espoused by the British and the brutal reality of enslavement. This approach is highly effective in swaying an audience that prides itself on its ideals of freedom and justice. His purpose here is to expose the hypocrisy and create cognitive dissonance, prompting his readers to confront the conflict between their beliefs and their actions.

Analyzing a Specific Excerpt: A Case Study

To illustrate these points more concretely, let's consider a hypothetical excerpt:

"Imagine, if you will, a ship crammed to its capacity with human beings, chained together like animals, denied fresh air, adequate food, or basic sanitation. These are not beasts of burden, but men, women, and children, torn from their homes and families, subjected to unimaginable cruelty for the sake of profit. Is this not a direct affront to the very God you claim to worship? Do your scriptures not preach compassion, love, and the inherent dignity of every human soul? Yet you stand idly by, permitting this abomination to continue. I ask you, what will your judgment be when you stand before your maker?"

In this hypothetical excerpt, we can see several elements of Cugoano's multifaceted purpose at play:

• Appeal to Morality: The excerpt directly challenges the reader's conscience, appealing to their religious beliefs and moral sensibilities.
• Logical Argument: The vivid description of the Middle Passage provides concrete evidence of the inhumanity of slavery.
• Confrontation of Justifications: The excerpt implicitly challenges religious justifications for slavery by pointing out the hypocrisy between professed Christian values and the brutal reality of the slave trade.
• Call to Action: The rhetorical question at the end directly prompts the reader to confront their complicity and take action.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Cugoano's Purpose

Ottobah Cugoano's Thoughts and Sentiments is not just a historical document; it's a powerful testament to the transformative power of rhetoric. His purpose in any given excerpt extends beyond simply condemning slavery; it's a carefully crafted rhetorical strategy designed to dismantle the justifications for slavery, expose its inherent inhumanity, and ultimately, to galvanize action for its abolition. By analyzing his rhetorical techniques—his skillful use of logic, pathos, ethos, and his strategic engagement with opposing arguments—we can better understand his enduring legacy and the powerful impact of his words on the fight against slavery. His work serves as a crucial reminder of the power of persuasive writing to effect meaningful social change. The analysis of any excerpt from his work must consider this multifaceted purpose to fully appreciate its impact and enduring relevance.