Part 2

Question

Please use the following section of the poem to answer the next 4 questions.

Click here if you need a ->Larger Text Poem

Who is the speaker of this poem?
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Why do you think enslaved people had such strong motivations to read and write?
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What evidence does the last stanza (last 4 lines) provide of the value of learning?
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What role do you think learning played in the movement to end slavery?
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Answer 1

Since I don't have access to the specific poem you're mentioning, I can provide general guidance based on common themes and historical contexts related to enslaved people and learning.

1. Who is the speaker of this poem? The speaker in poems about slavery or the enslaved experience is often portrayed as an enslaved individual or a person reflecting on the life of enslaved people. The perspective can vary; it could be first-person, allowing insight into their thoughts and emotions, or a third-person narrative that comments on their struggles and aspirations.

2. Why do you think enslaved people had such strong motivations to read and write? Enslaved people were often motivated to read and write because it represented a path to freedom, knowledge, and autonomy. Literacy equipped them with the tools to understand their rights, seek better living conditions, and communicate with others for support and organization. Moreover, reading the Bible or other texts provided spiritual solace and a sense of identity, while writing could serve as a form of personal expression and resistance against dehumanization.

3. What evidence does the last stanza (last 4 lines) provide of the value of learning? While I can't see the specific stanza you're referring to, in many poems, the last lines often encapsulate strong emotions and reveal the transformative power of education. They may illustrate themes such as hope, the empowerment derived from knowledge, a longing for freedom, or the idea that learning serves as a weapon against oppression. Look for images or phrases that highlight how education uplifts the spirit or aids in the pursuit of liberation.

4. What role do you think learning played in the movement to end slavery? Learning played a crucial role in the movement to end slavery by empowering individuals with the knowledge necessary to challenge the institution of slavery. It facilitated the development of abolitionist thought, allowed former enslaved individuals to articulate their experiences, and fostered a sense of community and solidarity among those fighting for freedom. Furthermore, education helped spread awareness about the injustices of slavery, mobilize activists, and provide strategies for resistance and legal challenges against the institution.

If you can provide more context about the poem or its specific lines, I can tailor these responses further.