Samboe; or, The African Boy

"Samboe; or, The African Boy" by Mary Ann Hedge, focuses on the morally challenging world of the African slave trade through the eyes of Charles Irving, a young Englishman entangled in its cruel practices. Early on, the story highlights the cold instructions of slave merchants who instigate warfare to capture people, setting a serious tone that questions humanity and morality. Readers meet Charles Irving, who, trusted by local chiefs because of his understanding of their customs, finds himself struck by the beauty and wealth of West Africa—a sharp contrast to the inhumane reality of the slave trade. Though initially hesitant, Charles begins a journey of moral conflict, grappling with his involvement in this terrible system. The narrative style carefully sets the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of greed’s consequences within a society deeply rooted in conflict and exploitation.