Poetry · Question
How does Poetry develop the theme of Hypocrisy of Freedom?
Answer
Poetry by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis develops Hypocrisy of Freedom across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book critiques the contradiction between America's proclaimed ideals of liberty and the reality of chattel slavery, calling out the nation's moral stain and false patriotism.
The poem directly challenges those who boast of freedom while enslaving others, calling freedom 'nothing but a name.'
The poem contrasts the founders' fight for freedom with the continued oppression of enslaved people, accusing the nation of forgetting its own history of bondage.
The poem contrasts America's enslavement with the champion's mission to 'raise the standard high' for true freedom abroad.
Evidence in the book
- The Slave Girl's Address to Her Mother
The poem directly challenges those who boast of freedom while enslaving others, calling freedom 'nothing but a name.'
- The Slave
The poem contrasts the founders' fight for freedom with the continued oppression of enslaved people, accusing the nation of forgetting its own history of bondage.
- To the Hibernia
The poem contrasts America's enslavement with the champion's mission to 'raise the standard high' for true freedom abroad.
- My Country
The poem directly attacks the hypocrisy of a nation that claims to be free while perpetuating slavery, calling out the 'pollution and sin' and 'oppression and mockery' that tarnish America's reputation.
- An Appeal to Woman
The poem challenges Christian women in a 'Christian land' to live up to their professed values by opposing slavery.
