Question

. . . 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—Dear Sir, think in me you behold the uplifted hands of thousands of my brother Moors.
–Letter from Ignatius Sancho
to Laurence Sterne



Based on the passage, what is Sancho’s purpose for writing?

A) to critique one of Sterne’s books
B) to convince Sterne to write about slavery
C) to thank Sterne for speaking against slavery
D) to talk Sterne into giving money to charity

Answer 1

B) to convince Sterne to write about slavery

Explanation:

The paragraph eulogizes Sterne's influence all over the world as a man of letters and goes into his unquestioned wisdom.

This is followed by an appeal rather direct that if he handles the subject of slavery it will ease the pain of many people in the west Indies. Then he appeals to the sense of charity in the mind of Stern.

This is followed by a final salutation that calls Sterne universally admired. Clearly this is a plea for hep asking Sterne to bring attention to slavery using his platform.