Between Equiano Olaudah and Phillis Wheatley, the similarities in their experiences with slavery begin and end at the fact that they were black slaves. There could not be a greater contrast in the scope of the slave experience, and their narratives reflect this. Olaudah's narrative was one that likely resonated with most of those affected by slavery, whereas Wheatly had quite a rare, merciful experience.

Olaudah found his time in Africa to be largely pleasant, despite being a slave. He felt a profound connection to the land and would at times even forget that he was a slave, with his masters treating him as though he were family. It is only when he is delivered into the hands of the European white that the true nightmare of slavery sets in. It is a this point that he witnesses and experiences the true unbridled cruelty of the slave trade.

Wheatly, on the other hand, was delivered to white masters that were so kind that she often thought fondly of them and openly embraced their religion of Christianity, considering it a common ground between slave and master. She has often been criticized for this as well as her disdain for Africa, despite still openly condemning the practice of slavery.