Freedom may be defined as freedom from control, captivity, or restriction; where everyone is equal and has the ability to do whatever is in their will, where no one can be hindered by race, class or gender. While freedom is mostly framed within ideas of slavery, as in the contexts of the works of Olaudah Equiano and Phillis Wheatley, it can also be that of women from their husbands and place of life, as in the work of Mary Astell. Equiano has a first-hand account of the effects of slavery and the need for freedom. While she describes a childhood that ended quickly by being kidnapped and put into slavery, her story is reflected in many stories that are undoubtedly similar in fashion. The most memorable, and perhaps disturbing, narrative concerns his experiences aboard the slave ship. "One day, when we had a calm sea and a moderate wind, two of my tired countrymen, who were chained together (I was near them at the time), preferring death to such a miserable life, somehow made through the nets , and threw himself into the sea: immediately another rather dejected individual, who, due to his illness, was left without irons, followed their example; and I believe that many others would soon have done the same, if they had not been prevented by the 'crew of the ship, who were immediately alarmed. Those of us who were most active were, in an instant, thrown under the deck; There was such a noise and confusion among the people of the ship as I had never heard before, to stop her and persuade the boat to follow the slaves. However, two unfortunates were drowned, but they caught the other, and then flogged him mercilessly, for thus attempting to prefer death to slavery." (Equiano 749) It is almost unbelievable...... middle of paper...... and unfounded. Works Cited Astell, Mary. "A serious proposal to women." The Broadview anthology of British literature: the Restoration and the eighteenth century. Joseph Black [and all]. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press, 2006. Print. Pages 291-296.Astell, Mary. "A reflection on marriage." The Broadview anthology of British literature: the Restoration and the eighteenth century. Joseph Black [and all]. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press, 2006. Print. Pages 297-301. Equiano, Olaudah. “Olaudah Equiano.” Pantry. Print.Equiano, Olaudah. “Interesting narrative of the life of Olaudah Equiano.” The Broadview anthology of British literature: the Restoration and the eighteenth century. Joseph Black [and all]. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press, 2006. Print. Pages 743-750.Wheatley, Phillis. "Poems on various subjects." Pantry. Press.