Here's a breakdown of who Equiano likely hoped to reach:
* The British Public: Equiano wanted to expose the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade to his fellow countrymen. He aimed to evoke empathy and spark a moral awakening against the institution of slavery.
* The Abolitionist Movement: Equiano was a vocal abolitionist, and his book served as a powerful tool to fuel the growing movement against slavery. His personal story of resilience and survival resonated with abolitionists and provided crucial evidence for their cause.
* The Politicians and Policymakers: Equiano hoped to influence the opinions of those in power, hoping to bring about legislative changes that would abolish the slave trade.
* The Educated Elite: Equiano's book was written in a sophisticated style, appealing to the intellectual and literate audience of the time. He wanted to challenge the prevailing racist ideologies and demonstrate the humanity of enslaved Africans.
It's important to remember that Equiano's book was revolutionary for its time. He was one of the first African writers to share his own experience of slavery, giving a voice to the voiceless and challenging the dominant narratives of the time.