In these excerpts, how do both men use their personal histories to achieve their purpose? both men use their past experiences to show readers that they persevered and became accomplished readers and writers. both men use their personal histories to show readers the horrors and misery of being enslaved. both men share their past experiences to show readers that they are much smarter than the average person. both men share their personal stories to show readers that they are still having a very difficult time adjusting to european customs.