Comparing Eighteenth-Century Texts on Slavery — Quiz
Question 3 • Senior English
Read the excerpt from Thoughts and Sentiments . It is therefore manifest, that something else ought yet to be done; and what is required, is evidently the incumbent duty of all men of enlightened understanding, and of every man that has any claim or affinity to the name of Christian, that the base treatment which the African Slaves undergo, ought to be abolished; and it is moreover evident, that the whole, or any part of that iniquitous traffic of slavery, can no where, or in any degree, be admitted, but among those who must eventually resign their own claim to any degree of sensibility and humanity, for that of barbarians. Read the excerpt from Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho, An African . I am sure you will applaud me for beseeching you to give one half hour's attention to slavery, as it is at this day practised in our West Indies.—That subject, handled in your striking manner, would ease the yoke (perhaps) of many—but if only of one—Gracious God!—what a feast to a benevolent heart!—and, sure I am, you are an epicurean in acts of charity.—You, who are universally read, and as universally admired—you could not fail In these excerpts, how is Cugoano’s purpose similar to Sancho’s purpose?
Answer
A
Like Sancho, Cugoano is trying to become a widely read writer and respected philosopher.
B
Like Sancho, Cugoano is speaking out against the horrible practice of slavery.
C
Like Sancho, Cugoano is hoping that some of the Africans held in captivity will be released.
D
Like Sancho, Cugoano is asking for someone’s help in passing on his message.
Explanation
Cugoano argues that the mistreatment of enslaved Africans and the slave trade must be abolished. Sancho urges his reader to focus attention on slavery in the West Indies, hoping that doing so will ease the suffering of enslaved people. Their shared purpose is to speak out against slavery, so the best choice is “Like Sancho, Cugoano is speaking out against the horrible practice of slavery.”
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