Question

Read the following lines from chapter 1 of 'Hagar's Daughter.'

The vast wealth of the South made them feel that they were independent of the world. Cotton was not merely king; it was God. Moral considerations were nothing.

What does this passage imply about the South's view of themselves and their attitude towards morality in relation to their wealth?

(1 point)
Responses

A) They believed they were superior, they worshipped cotton as a deity and had no moral considerations in maintaining and growing their wealth.
A) They believed they were superior, they worshipped cotton as a deity and had no moral considerations in maintaining and growing their wealth.

B) They realized they were inferior; however, they did not care and continued to pursue their wealth using any means necessary.
B) They realized they were inferior; however, they did not care and continued to pursue their wealth using any means necessary.

C) They believed they were superior; however, their moral considerations prevented them from continuing their pro-slavery agendas.
C) They believed they were superior; however, their moral considerations prevented them from continuing their pro-slavery agendas.

D) They believed their wealth was a distraction from moral considerations.

Answer 1

The best response is:

A) They believed they were superior, they worshipped cotton as a deity and had no moral considerations in maintaining and growing their wealth.

This option reflects the passage's implication that the South felt independent and superior due to their wealth from cotton, equating their economic power with a kind of divine reverence, while disregarding moral implications.